The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has assured residents of the mandate areas that the long-awaited Aboto–Atijere Road project will be completed by December 2026.
Poroye gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the ongoing road project, stressing that both the commission and the Ondo State Government remain committed to delivering the road project despite earlier setbacks and challenges.
According to him, the road project has become a major priority due to its economic, social, and security importance to the Oil-producing areas.
“We thank God for strength. We thank God for passion. We thank God for energy. We had this strong determination that, not minding all circumstances, Aboto–Atijere Road will be delivered before December this year,” he said.
The OSOPADEC Chairman recalled that the project, which was awarded in 2019 and expected to be completed within 24 months, suffered delays as a result of administrative and funding challenges.
He noted, however, that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had brought renewed momentum to the project through sustained support and intervention.
“This project should ordinarily have been completed long ago. We felt that with a serious-minded contractor backed by a committed governor and a focused commission like OSOPADEC, this road should be delivered once and for all so that attention can shift to other developmental projects,” Poroye stated.
He further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had intervened in resolving issues affecting the project and also appealed to the contractor to ensure that the road is connected from Aboto to Atijere even before the commencement of asphalt laying.
Poroye explained that the renewed attention on the road project was also informed by recurring tensions between Makun and Atijere communities, noting that improved accessibility would help ease movement and promote peaceful coexistence.
He said the commission had consistently appealed for calm among residents while efforts were being made to resolve lingering disputes amicably.
According to him, only about seven kilometres remain between Akata Junction and Atijere, expressing confidence that the contractor would meet the December completion deadline.
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of LEE FAKINO Nigeria Limited, Chief Akindele Fajemiyo, attributed earlier delays on the project to paucity of funds.
He, however, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for assuring the company of adequate funding support to facilitate speedy completion of the road.
“The job was actually awarded in 2019, but because of paucity of funds, we had not been able to do much. However, with the coming of Mr. Governor, the assurance is there that funds will not be a problem, and we must finish this job this year,” he said.
Fajemiyo assured residents that the road would be fully tarred from Aboto to Atijere before the end of the year.
He also appreciated the support of the OSOPADEC Chairman, management team, and youths from Aboto, Akata, and Atijere communities for providing security and cooperation in the course of the construction.
Also speaking, the Oloja of Akata, Chief Oke Olejagbo, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the OSOPADEC leadership for their commitment to the project, expressing optimism that the road would bring lasting relief and development to the affected communities.
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