The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has assured residents of oil-producing communities in Ondo State that the Aboto–Atijere Road project will be completed before December 2026.
Poroye gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the ongoing project, saying the commission and the state government remained determined to deliver the road despite previous delays and challenges.
He described the road as a critical infrastructure project because of its economic, social and security importance to the mandate areas.
According to him, the commission was committed to ensuring the successful completion of the project before the end of the year.
“We are determined to ensure that the Aboto–Atijere Road is completed before December, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way,” he said.
The OSOPADEC chairman recalled that the project was awarded in 2019 with an initial completion timeline of 24 months but suffered setbacks due to administrative and funding constraints.
He, however, noted that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had revived the project through renewed intervention and funding support.
Poroye stated that with a committed government, a responsive contractor and support from the commission, the project should have been completed long ago.
He added that the governor had intervened in resolving issues surrounding the project and appealed to the contractor to ensure connectivity between Aboto and Atijere before the asphalt phase begins.
The chairman explained that the renewed focus on the road was also aimed at addressing recurring tensions between the Makun and Atijere communities, stressing that improved road access would enhance movement and foster peaceful coexistence.
He said the commission had consistently appealed to residents to maintain peace while efforts continued to resolve lingering disputes amicably.
Poroye disclosed that only about seven kilometres of the road remained between Akata Junction and Atijere, expressing confidence that the contractor would meet the completion deadline.
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of LEE FAKINO Nigeria Limited, Chief Akindele Fajemiyo, attributed the delay in executing the project to inadequate funding.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for assuring the company of improved financial support to accelerate work on the road.
“The project was awarded in 2019, but funding challenges slowed down progress. With the support and assurance from the governor, we are confident that the road will be completed this year,” he said.
Fajemiyo assured residents that the road would be fully asphalted from Aboto to Atijere before the end of 2026.
He also appreciated the support of the OSOPADEC management and youths from Aboto, Akata and Atijere communities for providing cooperation and security throughout the construction process.
Also speaking, the Oloja of Akata, Chief Oke Olejagbo, praised the state government and OSOPADEC leadership for their commitment to the project, expressing optimism that the road would improve socio-economic activities in the affected communities.
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