……..Assures residents of durable, flood-resilient road
By Precious Oluwole
In continuation of activities marking his first year in office, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday flagged off the construction of an 8.5-kilometre dual carriageway stretching from College Road through Okoga Junction to Irewole Roundabout in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
He described the road as a strategic intervention to address mobility challenges within the coastal axis of the state, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and boost economic activities in Igbokoda and adjoining communities.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the Governor said the dual carriageway was conceived as a modern urban arterial corridor designed to support the expanding socio-economic profile of the area.
According to him, the road will serve as a critical link connecting educational institutions, residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres and major access routes within the Ilaje axis.
From a technical standpoint, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the project was developed in line with established engineering standards and global best practices.
He said the scope of work includes comprehensive earthworks, layered asphaltic pavement construction, reinforced concrete drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, road furniture, traffic control signage and modern street lighting infrastructure.
He added that due consideration was given to hydrological conditions, axle load specifications, projected traffic volumes and long-term durability parameters to ensure sustainability and resilience.
The Governor noted that the project aligns with his administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda, which prioritises connectivity, economic accessibility and inclusive growth across Ondo State.
“By upgrading this corridor to dual carriageway standard, we are reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs while creating an enabling environment for commerce, investment inflow and structured urban expansion within the coastal region,” he said.
Beyond easing mobility, the governor stated that the construction phase would generate employment opportunities, stimulate local economic activities and enhance land value, while also improving access to essential public services.
He assured residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities that the project would be executed in strict compliance with approved specifications, quality control measures and stipulated timelines, adding that supervisory agencies have been mandated to ensure value for public investment.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural transformation in the Southern Senatorial District, citing ongoing projects including the 28-kilometre Ajagba–Iju Osun–Akotogbo Road, the 22-kilometre Omotosho–Igbotako–Iju Odo Road, and the 27-kilometre Okitipupa–Igbokoda dual carriageway, described as the longest dual carriageway in the state.
He expressed confidence that all ongoing projects would be delivered within their stipulated time frames.
While commissioning the NDDC road in Igbokoda as well, the Governor said that improved road infrastructure remains central to his administration’s development agenda.
He further stated that the construction was executed with strict adherence to quality standards, taking into consideration the peculiar coastal terrain, heavy rainfall patterns and water level challenges.
The objective, he said, was to deliver durable infrastructure capable of withstanding environmental pressures while guaranteeing safety and long-term value.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Aiyedatiwa noted that riverine and coastal communities would continue to receive priority attention.
He added that the road would not only serve as a transportation link but also stimulate commerce, boost enterprise and enhance property values within the area.
The Governor also urged residents to take ownership of the project by protecting it from activities that could compromise its integrity, stressing that community cooperation is vital to ensuring the longevity of public infrastructure.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing noted that the rehabilitation of the road is a testament of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to Infrastructure development.
He noted that the NDDC Road spans six kilometres with an average width of 10.3 metres.
He enumerated other completed roads within the administration’s first year, including Nigeria Delta Road, Igbokoda; Igbotako Road; FCMB Road, Igbokoda; Omotehinse Road, Igbokoda; Onaopemipo, Okitipupa; Ali Balogun Road, Okitipupa; Ade–Adeyemi Road, Okitipupa; Oke–Raye Road, Okitipupa; Ola–Oluwa Road; Ewi Road, Okitipupa; Luwa Road, Irele; Mobayode Road, Irele; Mobil Road, Ore; Bumes Road, Pre; VIO Road; and Mobas Garage.
Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Moris Oripenaye, described Governor Aiyedatiwa as an exemplary leader whose projects have made citizens proud.
“From the north to the central to the south, projects have been completed. The people of Igbokoda, including those in the diaspora, express their eternal gratitude and pledge to remain loyal to your government,” he said.
The Olugbo of Ugbo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, commended the Governor, stating: “You make us proud”.
He noted that the roads and projects inaugurated today demonstrate his commitment to development.
He also stressed the importance of reclaiming state resources, declaring: “The oil well belongs to us and we will ensure it is claimed back.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Members of the State Executive Council; Members of Ondo State House of Assembly; Director – General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Local Government Chairmen; APC Chieftains; Traditional Rulers; Religious leaders; Political appointees; among other dignitaries.
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