By Sodiq Adelakun
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the Akure–Imafon Road Project, reiterating his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and service delivery across the state.
The project, flagged off at the NNPC–Imafon Junction, Igbatoro Road, Akure, is expected to enhance connectivity, ease traffic, and stimulate economic activities in the area.
In a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The statement reads partly: “Your patience and perseverance have finally paid off. Government has taken over that burden and your loyalty and sacrifice have not gone unrewarded.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s determination to bridge the state’s infrastructure gap by more than half before the end of his tenure.
“He expressed confidence that the target would be surpassed if the current pace of development continues, complementing the Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“He emphasised that infrastructural expansion and human capital development remain central to the ‘OUR EASE’ policy thrust of his administration, designed to fast-track human development.”
Addressing residents of Akure North, particularly communities along Igbatoro, Ala, and Imafon, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the road as a strategic response to long-standing local demands.
He urged community members to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth execution before the dry season ends, assuring them that adjoining inner roads would also receive attention.
The Governor noted that the State Executive Council had recently approved the rehabilitation and construction of 101 kilometres of roads across Ondo’s three senatorial districts. He said the initiative would improve vehicular movement, open up communities for development, and enhance the living standards of residents.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also assured that all inherited projects across the state would be completed, including the ongoing construction of the Ijoka dual carriageway. He stressed that no project under his administration would be abandoned.
In his welcome remarks, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, detailed the Akure–Imafon Road project, noting it spans six kilometres with an average width of 10.3 metres and includes multiple hydraulic and structural components. Another 5.3-kilometre stretch from Investment Structure to ShortRite Roundabout leading to the Federal Secretariat has also been awarded for construction, with an average width of 60 metres.
Olawoye explained that multiple road overlays were necessary due to the degradation of previous surfaces caused by exposure of the binder course to weather conditions, which had led to recurring potholes.
The Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to infrastructural development, describing his leadership as people-oriented and inclusive.
Traditional ruler Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu Adegbehingbe, in a goodwill message, hailed the project as a lifeline for trade and social-economic growth, recalling that the Governor had personally promised to fix the road during a visit to Imafon last year.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry Engr. Leye Akinola, Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Hygiene Hon. Ayo Akande, Chairman of Akure South Local Government Dr. Gbenga Fasua, and senior special aides to the Governor.
