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.