By Opeyemi Adelakun
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure, saying the project will ease traffic congestion and reposition the state capital for economic growth.
The project, which runs from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, is part of the state government’s urban renewal and infrastructure development programme.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Aiyedatiwa described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at improving mobility, safety and the movement of people and goods along one of Akure’s busiest corridors.
“This is a long-awaited moment and we are proud of the singular honour and privilege to formally flag-off the construction of the Flyover Bridge along the Oyemekun Oba Adesida Road Corridor, from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, Akure, covering 2.38 kilometres,” he said.
The governor said the project followed careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive engagement with stakeholders.
He described the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery linking markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.
“It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents,” the governor added.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the congestion has affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised the safety and well-being of residents.
He said the flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while reducing travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution caused by prolonged traffic delays.
The governor said the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then, we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa charged the contractor to execute the project according to the approved design, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity.
He also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor throughout the construction period.
The governor said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and the deployment of public resources to projects with clear and measurable benefits.
Road operating 50% above capacity
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover had become necessary because the road corridor was operating about 50 per cent above its design capacity.
Olawoye said the ministry had considered various options for tackling the congestion before settling on the flyover as the most practical solution.
He said the Ojaoba–Adesida Road was constructed as a major township road around 1974 in the then Western State and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978.
According to him, the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko expanded the road from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres in 2001, but no major construction had taken place along the corridor since then despite rising traffic and population.
Olawoye said the government opted for the flyover rather than extensive demolition of properties along the corridor.
He said the structure would be about 2.4 kilometres long, comprising a 320-metre starting ramp and a 200-metre ending ramp at Adegbola and Omieja A Division, giving a combined ramp length of about 520 metres.
The commissioner also listed several completed and ongoing road projects across Akure and other parts of the Central Senatorial District, including the Ajegunle Road, Odopetun–Oke Padi–Lao Road, Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odi Olowo Road and Bye-pass–Gbogi Street projects.
Other projects listed include the 15.5km Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10km Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7km Akure–Ijare Road.
Deji, others commend project
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, said residents of Akure remained grateful to Aiyedatiwa for projects executed in the city and across the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended the governor for the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads, saying the projects would improve movement and address challenges along major corridors.
Also speaking, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, commended Aiyedatiwa for the project and his infrastructure development efforts across the state.
The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, said the company had been entrusted with the project and would deliver it according to specifications.
Harb recalled his involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about 20 years ago, noting that the flyover project marked the second time the company would undertake a major project in Ondo State.
He assured the governor that the project would be completed on schedule while minimising disruption to the host community.
“We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” Harb said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Olusegun Odusanya; APC State Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, LCDA chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees and permanent secretaries, among others.
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