Gov Aiyedatiwa flags off 8.8km Akure–Ijare road project

..…Promises strict oversight, 18-month delivery timeline

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of the 8.8-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road with a spur to Ikota in Ifedore Local Government Area, describing the project as a long-overdue intervention that will transform transportation, commerce and safety along the busy corridor.

 

Speaking at the ceremony held at Ikota Junction, the Governor said the flag-off marked the fulfillment of a covenant made to the people of the state. He recalled that upon assuming office, his administration resolved that governance would be judged not by promises but by visible changes in the daily lives of residents. According to him, the Akure–Ijare corridor had suffered decades of neglect, leading to loss of lives, stifled economic activities, and difficulty for traders, students and farmers.

He commended political leaders, traditional rulers and religious figures in Ifedore for their support, and applauded the indigenous contractor, Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited, saying the choice aligned with the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, which prioritises competent homegrown contractors. “Where competence is equal, we will give preference to our own sons and daughters”.

 

“This 8.8-kilometre Akure – Ijare Dual Carriageway project is one of the most strategic infrastructure investments in the history of Ifedore Local Government and indeed Ondo Central Senatorial District. For decades, this road has been a nightmare: narrow, pothole-riddled, prone to erosion and dangerous especially during the rainy season. Many of our people have lost precious lives and property on this corridor. Students have missed examinations. Investors have looked elsewhere. Enough is enough!

“Today, we are changing the narrative permanently. The project scope is massive and future-proof: Full dualization with 7.3 metres carriageway on each side (total 14.6 metres); 2-metre shoulders on both sides; reinforced concrete box and pipe drainages to finally conquer erosion; solar-powered street lighting from Akure to Ijare for night-time safety; pedestrian walkways and bus lay-bys; landscaping and road furniture befitting a state capital access road.

 

“The project will be executed in three phases to minimise disruption and palliative works will commence immediately so that within the next four weeks, the existing road will become motorable while full construction continues. I have given Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited a firm timeline of 18 months for completion. I will personally supervise this project every step of the way”.

 

The Governor noted that In the last 22 months, his administration has initiated, completed or significantly advanced well over 150 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts, including other ongoing projects awarded during the last administration.

“These include Construction/Rehabilitation of 9.75 km Ute Township Roads (94.85% completed); 4.7km Dual Carriageway from Ikare Junction – FMC – Mobil Junction – Ifesanmi Junction Road, Owo. (83.47% completed), Asphalt Overlay of 17.54km Selected Roads in four Akoko LGAs (ongoing), 15-km Oda Road dualization in Akure (commissioned in June 2025); 10-km Akure–Idanre Road (ongoing); construction of Ijoka Road Dual Carriageway (ongoing), Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of 4.74 km Oba-Ile Housing Estate Road (95% completed), Provision and Installation of Stand-alone Solar Streetlight in Akure Township and Replacement of the Conventional Streetlights, (86.14 % completed), Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of 12.14 km Selected Roads in Okitipupa Town (78.99% completed), and Asphalt Overlay of 10km Selected Roads in Ilaje L.G.A. (ongoing).

“Today, we add the Akure–Ijare Road to that growing list of fulfilled promises. When completed, travel time between Akure and Ijare will drop from over 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes. That is a transformation you can feel”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated President Tinubu for creating the enabling environment, noting that the fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms were painful but necessary surgeries.

He stressed that today, the economy is stabilising, inflation is dropping and States are receiving more funds from the federation account than ever before, putting Ondo State in good stead to execute projects of this magnitude without borrowing a kobo.

 

 

“To the good people of Ijare and Igbara-Oke, and all affected communities, let me reiterate that construction of road will bring temporary inconvenience. There will be diversions, dust and noise. We plead for your patience and understanding. The pain of today will birth the joy of tomorrow. To our youths, we appeal that you do not vandalise equipment or extort the contractor. Protect this project as your own. Government will not entertain any form of sabotage”.

 

He urged Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited to approach the work with utmost dedication, reminding them that the project is on their home soil. He expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver, stressing that quality and timelines must not be compromised, as the legal consequences for any breach are clearly established.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Land and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, explained that the project involves two roads: a 6.2km stretch from Akure to Idare and a 2.8km spur.

He detailed the technical features, including rigid and flexible pavements, a 250mm stone base, 10.3-metre carriageway width, 600×600×150mm hydraulic structures, varying bus covers, channels and layers comprising a 150mm binder course and a 40mm wear-and-tear course, while calling for community support to ensure smooth execution.

He said: “We have two types of pavements, rigid pavements and flexible pavements. Flexible pavement is an asphalt pavement while rigid pavement is concrete pavement. The design of this road is about 15 to 20 years.”

Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Dipo Ajibola, described the flag-off as the fulfilment of a long-standing desire of the people, noting that the road would ease movement for students, workers, and residents.

He expressed gratitude to the governor, the commissioner, contractors, and stakeholders.

Chairman of Egbe Ijare, Akin Oluwole, commended the governor for easing travel difficulties and appealed for similar attention to Ilere, Irese, Aaye, and Araromi Omo Aladan. He urged the government to revive the Ijare–Ikere Road and the local skill acquisition centre while pledging the community’s continued support.

He added: “We thank you. We want to assure you that we know the good deeds and that it is loaded, but it’s a gesture we are not going to take for granted. Having said that, on a note of humility, we want to bring to your attention that there are also other major communities in this zone—Ilere, Irese, Aaye and Araromi Omo Aladan. We want to pray that, as we say in business, as the cash flow accommodates, and with time, this largesse is also extended to these other communities. We pray that the good Lord will enable you to see it to fruition in Jesus’ name.”

The Owa of Araromi Omo Aladan, Oba Jaiyeoba Bamidele, said the governor had honoured his campaign promise and created a generational legacy, assuring him of the community’s loyalty.

CEO of Dortmund Company, Pius Ayodele, promised strict adherence to project specifications and pledged to deliver quality work in collaboration with government engineers and consultants.

In her vote of thanks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the road would serve as a lifeline for women, traders, farmers, caregivers, and young people by enhancing safety and expanding access to commerce, education, healthcare and essential services.

She described it as a milestone strengthening the connection between the state capital and major communities, expressed gratitude on behalf of the state’s women and children, and reaffirmed the project’s importance for the future.

Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Deputy Speaker Gbegudu; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; local government chairmen; former Speakers Ayo Agbonmuseri and Bamidele Oleyeloogun; Customs Area Controller Admiral Sanmi; and several royal fathers.

Meanwhile, the governor conducted on site tour of the Akure Flyover, Akure–Idanre Road and Ijoka road dualisation.

Speaking on the ongoing road projects, the governor assured Ijoka residents of its swift completion and highlighting notable progress since his last visit.

Aiyedatiwa noted that the project, initially commenced by the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had experienced delays following the former governor’s demise, with periods when the contractor was reportedly absent from the site.

“We have done engagements, and they have moved back on site. This is the second time I am visiting this road, and there is great improvement from what I saw the last time. I have walked about two kilometres on foot with the contractors and engineers to assess the quality of work and we have seen that quality work is ongoing, although minor corrections are required before asphalt laying,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

He expressed satisfaction with the elimination of dust along the route, noting that the stone base has now been laid.

“Before, people were pleading for completion. Today, they are thanking me for the level of work done. The contractor has promised that asphalt laying will commence next week so that it can be opened to commuters and road users,” he added.

The governor observed that the road passes through a densely populated area, with many residents commuting to Akure for work.

“Now they are happy that they can drive on one side that is almost completed. Very soon, we will come here to commission and open both sides for people to start using it,” he assured.