The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday commissioned key road projects across Akure metropolis, including the Igoba Township Road and the Alagbaka Extension Road, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of his administration.
Describing the event as both “joyful and symbolic,” Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked Almighty God and highlighted the transformative impact of the projects on residents, traders, and road users.
“These initiatives are critical infrastructure developments that connect communities, facilitate trade, and demonstrate our commitment to delivering the dividends of good governance,” he said.
The commissioned roads 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 singled out Igoba Road as a reference point for his administration’s broader infrastructural agenda, noting its importance in linking communities, boosting commerce, and stimulating socio-economic development.
Reflecting on his first year in office, the Governor pointed to notable achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and other sectors.
“Farmers have been empowered, small businesses supported, and infrastructure enhanced. This forms a strong foundation for sustainable development and a vibrant economy,” he said.
The projects are part of the state government’s OUR EASE policy, designed to foster growth, create jobs, improve living standards, and ensure equitable development across Ondo State.
Commissioning the Alagbaka Extension Road, Aiyedatiwa described it as a strategic urban infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing the functionality of the Alagbaka axis.
“This road links adjoining streets and estates to major access routes and provides an alternative route to Akure Airport. Its importance cannot be overstated,” he said.
He added that the project was executed according to standard engineering specifications, including proper pavement thickness, drainage, load-bearing capacity, and long-term durability.
At the commissioning of the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure, the Governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, noted that the state undertook the project under its own budget, despite the hospital being handed over to the Federal Government.
The water scheme, he said, would enhance healthcare delivery, reduce water-borne diseases, improve hygiene standards, and increase operational efficiency within the hospital.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, lauded the Governor for fulfilling his promise to prioritise infrastructure.
“Upon assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged to prioritise road development. After 12 months, he has delivered on that promise,” Olawoye said. He highlighted Igoba as one of Akure’s fastest-growing communities and noted that the 5.5-kilometre single carriageway would significantly boost local socio-economic growth.
The Commissioner also listed ongoing projects, including Oke-T Road (10km), Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road (24km), Imafo Road (9.5km), and Akungba Road (6.7km), underscoring the administration’s large-scale infrastructural drive.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the water project as a landmark intervention reflecting the Governor’s commitment to water, sanitation, and hygiene development.
The scheme, designed to advance Sustainable Development Goals 6, 1, and 2, features a 1m³ tank on a 12-metre-high stand, a 2.2-kilometre distribution network, and a 10.2kW hybrid solar-powered system, with a groundwater discharge capacity of 15m³ per hour, supplying 150m³ of clean water daily to about 6,000 residents.
Akande added that over 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state within one year, and earth dams rehabilitated, improving access to clean water for over one million people and increasing water availability by 12 per cent.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, commended the Governor for the road network in Igoba, noting that Aiyedatiwa consistently fulfills his promises.
In his goodwill message, the Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed gratitude to the Governor, recalling a delegation he led to advocate for Igoba Road and praising Aiyedatiwa for delivering on the commitment.
The Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the project as “embodying the spirit of progress and development,” noting that it transformed the area from neglect into a functional, accessible, and pride-inducing community.
Through his deputy, the Governor also commissioned Adegbola Health Centre in Akure and Surulere Health Centre in Ondo town.
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