By Paul Joseph
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure and a series of major road and infrastructure projects across the state as part of efforts to improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance public services.
The approvals were among key decisions reached at the Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover project was approved following traffic studies that identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure corridor as one of the most congested routes in the state capital.
According to him, the proposed flyover, located along Oba Adesida Road, will span from Adegbola Junction to the St. Mattias/NNPC filling station area in Alagbaka, covering a distance of 2.38 kilometres.
Olawoye explained that findings from the traffic assessment showed persistent gridlock along the corridor, making the flyover the most viable long-term solution to ease movement and improve traffic flow in Akure.
He disclosed that contractors would begin preliminary surveys and technical assessments following the council’s approval ahead of the commencement of construction.
Beyond the flyover project, the council approved several road and drainage projects across different parts of the state. Among them is the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, including a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other projects approved include the construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside Road and selected roads within Igboegunrin Town.
The council also gave approval for the construction and rehabilitation of strategic roads, including the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads within the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, as well as selected roads across Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
Additional projects approved include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road and the rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
In the education sector, the Executive Council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university to be known as the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was driven by increasing demand for university education and the need to expand access to specialised training in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
Ajibefun noted that the institution, regarded as Ondo State’s oldest tertiary institution, would operate eight faculties and place strong emphasis on practical skills, innovation and global competitiveness.
The council also approved the procurement of advanced radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment package includes MRI and CT scan machines, ultrasound systems, mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, digital X-ray machines, 4D ultrasound technology and specialised equipment for theatre services, ophthalmology and Ear, Nose and Throat care.
He said the investment would strengthen healthcare delivery, improve diagnostic capacity and support medical education and training in the state.
In another major decision, the council approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam project.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project, which has reached about 40 per cent completion, is expected to significantly improve potable water supply to Akure and surrounding local government areas.
He added that the rehabilitation is being supported by international development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and French Development Agency, and is aimed at expanding access to clean water, improving sanitation and reducing the incidence of water-related diseases.
Meanwhile, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment followed longstanding requests from residents for the installation of a traditional ruler and expressed optimism that the move would strengthen traditional institutions and foster peace and stability in the community.
The approvals underscore the Aiyedatiwa administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare and water supply as part of broader efforts to accelerate socio-economic growth across Ondo State.
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