By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Thursday marked the first anniversary of his administration with the commissioning of major road and water projects in Akure, reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure-driven development and improved living standards for residents.
The projects inaugurated include the Igoba Township Road and the Alagbaka Extension Road, alongside several other completed roads across the metropolis.
The governor described the occasion as both symbolic and celebratory, expressing gratitude to God and highlighting the transformative impact of the projects on residents, traders and road users.
“These projects are critical infrastructure initiatives that connect communities, facilitate commerce and reflect our commitment to delivering the dividends of good governance,” he said.
Other completed road projects include Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odiolowo Road, Lao–Oke Padre–Odopetu Road, Eco Bank–Oke Arata Road, Ajegunle Road, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street and Igoba Road.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described Igoba Road as a strategic component of his administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, noting its role in linking communities, supporting commercial activities and stimulating socio-economic growth.
He said the road project reflects the administration’s OUR EASE policy framework, which focuses on economic expansion, job creation, improved welfare and equitable development.
Reflecting on his first year in office, the governor cited progress across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
He noted that farmers have received support, small businesses have been empowered and infrastructure development has been prioritised to lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
While commissioning the Alagbaka Extension Road, Aiyedatiwa described it as a strategic urban infrastructure intervention designed to enhance connectivity, ease traffic congestion and improve access within the Alagbaka axis.
He added that the road provides alternative access to the Akure Airport and adjoining estates.
According to him, the project was executed in compliance with standard engineering specifications, including appropriate pavement thickness, effective drainage systems, adequate load-bearing capacity and long-term durability.
The governor also commissioned the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, he explained that although the hospital had been handed over to the Federal Government, the state government executed the project under its own budget in the interest of the people.
He said the water scheme would enhance healthcare delivery, reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases, improve hygiene standards and boost operational efficiency within the hospital.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the governor had fulfilled his promise to prioritise infrastructural development, particularly road projects.
He described Igoba as one of the fastest-growing communities in Akure and noted that the 5.5-kilometre single carriageway would significantly enhance socio-economic activities in the area.
Olawoye added that time constraints prevented the commissioning of all completed projects within the anniversary period.
He listed ongoing road projects to include Oke-T Road (10 kilometres), Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road (24 kilometres), Imafon Road (9.5 kilometres) and Akungba Road (6.7 kilometres), describing them as evidence of the administration’s large-scale infrastructure drive.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme as a landmark intervention aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 1 and 2.
He disclosed that the project features a one-cubic-metre tank mounted on a 12-metre-high extension, a 2.2-kilometre distribution network and a hybrid 10.2-kilowatt solar-powered system with a groundwater discharge capacity of 15 cubic metres per hour.
According to Akande, the facility will supply 150 cubic metres of potable water daily to about 6,000 residents.
He added that within one year, more than 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state, while earth dams were rehabilitated, expanding access to clean water for over one million people and increasing water access by 12 percent.
In separate goodwill messages, community leaders and stakeholders commended the governor for fulfilling his promises and delivering impactful projects.
The Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed gratitude to the governor for honouring his commitment to the Igoba Road project.
Similarly, the Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the road as a symbol of progress that transformed the area into a functional and accessible community.
The governor, through his deputy, also commissioned Adegbola Health Centre in Akure and Surulere Health Centre in Ondo City as part of the anniversary activities.
