By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, flagged off the dualization of the 6.7 kilometres Akungba-Ikare road.

Speaking at the event, Gov Aiyedatiwa described the flagg off as a a monumental stride in his administration’s journey, a beacon of progress following closely on the heels of other impactful initiatives, all part of his unwavering commitment to the People of Ondo State.

He opined that his administration is unyielding in its resolve to deploy every available resource to elevate Ondo State into the premier destination for investment, educational pursuit, tourism and an overall enhanced quality of life.

“This very road project serves as an unmistakable testament to that resolve, a clear signal to the world that Ondo State is not just open for business but ready to lead the charge for progressive development.

“To our good people in Akungba, Ikare and indeed, all across Akoko land, I want to specifically reaffirm the steadfast commitment of our government to doing all that is necessary to uplift your standard of living, making them truly comparable to the finest across our country. Your well-being and advancement are at the very core of our mission and we will work tirelessly until your aspirations are fully realised.

“We are resolved in our pursuit of human and natural resource development within your senatorial district, committed to nurturing this immense potential for sustainable growth and enduring prosperity.

“By easing the daily lives of our people and providing better opportunities, we are making direct contributions to a more prosperous and equitable State. The dualization of this road, therefore, stands as a fundamental commitment to our promise to usher in tangible, impactful development to every nook and cranny of the Sunshine State. We must not allow anything to obscure our shared vision or deter us from our ultimate destination of collective advancement”.

He revealed that the vital road network will commence University Main Gate, Akungba-Akoko, seamlessly extending through the frontage of the University and continuing its transformative path all the way to Ikare-Akoko.

“The multifaceted benefits of this dualization will positively impact every single aspect of life within this senatorial district. It will dramatically enhance the operational efficiency of our security personnel, ensuring seamless movement of goods and services for farmers and traders and drastically reduce travel time for commuters, leading to less stress and more productive hours. These are all critical steps towards improving our development indices.

“Furthermore, this dualization will greatly elevate the physical aesthetics and functionality of the Northern Senatorial District, making the area more attractive for residents and visitors. It will also significantly facilitate the robust growth of the Agricultural Sector by ensuring produce reaches markets promptly. Fundamentally, it will supercharge the business ecosystem, fostering job creation and stimulating broad-based economic growth.

“Vehicle owners will experience significantly less expenditure on repairs, translating into direct, tangible savings for families and businesses, channeling more disposable income back into the local economy of Akoko land, all contributing to better development indices”, he concluded.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola commended the Governor’s committment towards reducing infrastructural deficits. He noted that the landmark project is yet another milestone in achieving “Our Ease” Agenda of Governor Aiyedatiwa. He added that length of the road is 6.7 kilometers with a clearing width of 4 meters, the road corridor is 28 meters, with hydraulic structure on both sides, the size of this hydraulic structure is 750 by 750 by 150 mm thickness, and also have 900 by 900 by 150 mm thickness.

“We have walkway on both sides, which is 1.5 meters.  And we also have carriageway of 9.3 meters on both sides. We have median of 1.2 meters and we have traffic lights at critical intersections. We also have solar lights from SH-000 plus SH-600, we have these street lights at 15 meters intervals”.

He emphasized that the road with 450 mm as base course is designed to carry heavy truck. “We have two layers of asphalt. We have binder course of 50 mm. And we have wearing course of 40 mm”.

He stressed that all these are being done to reduce and to moderate frequent of accidents on the road, urging the contractor to deliver this project in a timely fashion. 

In his good will message, Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Jide Ipinsagba stated that accidents will be reduced and the people will be safe. He further noted that the economy of Akoko will not be disrupted because this barricade that will be removed is a very big burden to the economy in Akoko land, appreciating the Governor for the big initiative put in place to ensure that there is good running of the system. 

He appreciated the Governor for championing this vital project, which is put to an end to incessant damage and destruction of properties and threats to the state, talent network, and business life of Akoko, adding that he has done well for Akoko people. He added that the corridor, after completion, will improve economic activities in Akoko land. 

Also speaking, member representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati noted that the Governor has done well for Akoko people, appreciating his

Chairman, Akoko South West Local Government, Hon. Ayo Ajana noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s accomplishment in the just 100 days reflects a rare combination of vision, courage, compassion, and responsiveness to innate many of the citizens, adding that he is charting a new path of transformative governance, one that seeks to make life more dignified for every resident of Ondo State. 

“Through strategic investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and security, he is laying the ground for sustained improvement in quality of life. The Governor has set a powerful tone for the future, where good governance delivers real value to the people. His people-centered leadership is not only addressing today’s challenges, but also building resilient and prosperous Ondo State.

The contractor, Mr Marcel Alrose, the Managing Director of Rocco Nigeria limited, appreciated the Governor for the trust and opportunity given to him to do the project. He expressed his happiness to contribute to the development of Ondo state, assuring Governor Aiyedatiwa and Akoko people that he will deliver the project within the stipulated time and strict compliance with engineering standards and specifications.  “We are committed to quality, safety, and excellence. 

The Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye stated that with the dualization of the road, loss of lives and property will be greatly reduced, and the economy of the community will be boosted.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, State Chairman, APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Adbulazeez Oluboyo, Traditional rulers, top government functionaries, among other dignitaries.