• New 2.38km flyover to ease traffic congestion on Alagbaka–FUTA corridor
• Owena Dam rehabilitation gets funding boost
• Major road projects approved across Ondo communities
By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a new 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure as part of efforts to tackle growing traffic congestion in the state capital and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
The approval, granted at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, marks the commencement of what will become Akure’s second flyover bridge, coming barely weeks after the commissioning of the Reuben Fasoranti Flyover at the Shagari/Irese Junction.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said traffic studies conducted by the government identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) axis as one of the most congested corridors in the state capital.
According to him, the proposed flyover will stretch along Oba Adesida Road from Adegbola Junction to the St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station area in Alagbaka.
He explained that experts recommended the flyover as the most sustainable solution to the persistent traffic bottlenecks experienced daily on the route.
Olawoye disclosed that with the approval now secured, contractors would immediately commence preliminary surveys and technical assessments ahead of the commencement of construction work.
The council also approved a wide range of road and drainage projects spread across several local government areas of the state.
Among the projects approved 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 include the construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, roads in Araromi Seaside and selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.
The EXCO further approved the construction and rehabilitation of the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, internal and access roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, as well as roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
Also approved were the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, the 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 council approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was taken in response to increasing demand for university education in the state.
He noted that RUGIPO, being the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo State, possesses the infrastructure and academic foundation required for the transition.
Ajibefun disclosed that the proposed university would operate eight faculties focusing on agriculture, science, technology and engineering, with emphasis on practical skills acquisition, innovation and global competitiveness.
The council also approved the procurement of modern radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
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, theatre equipment, ENT facilities and ophthalmology equipment.
According to him, the acquisition will significantly improve healthcare delivery and strengthen medical training and research within the institution.
In another major decision, the council approved counterpart funding for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Owena Multipurpose Dam.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project is currently about 40 per cent completed and is expected to substantially improve potable water supply to Akure and surrounding local government areas upon completion.
He added that the project enjoys support from international development partners, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the French Development Bank.
Akande said the intervention would not only increase access to clean water but also improve sanitation and reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases in affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the approval followed longstanding demands from the people of Irele for the installation of a traditional ruler.
He expressed optimism that the appointment would strengthen traditional institutions and enhance peace and stability within the community.
The approvals underscore the Aiyedatiwa administration’s continuing emphasis on infrastructure expansion, educational development, healthcare improvement and rural development as part of its broader agenda to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of residents across Ondo State.
