Gov Aiyedatiwa reaffirms commitment to inclusive development

………Commissions new road projects

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development across every nook and cranny of the State.

Speaking at the commissioning of Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road in Akoko South-West Local Government area of the State, on Friday, the Governor described the project as a major milestone in his government’s drive to improve connectivity and boost economic growth across the state.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the people of Oka-Akoko for their support and cooperation, noting that the project fulfilled a key promise made during his electioneering campaign.

The newly commissioned road, which spans approximately six kilometres, was described as a multi-million-naira investment constructed with durable materials capable of withstanding heavy vehicular traffic.

The Governor stated that the road was executed in line with global best practices and world-class standards.

He emphasized that road construction and rehabilitation remain top priorities of his administration, particularly in the Akoko axis where demands for intervention have been persistent.

 

According to him, the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road serves as a critical transportation corridor for the movement of agricultural produce within and outside the state.

“With the rich agricultural potential of Akokoland, improving this corridor became imperative to ensure that farm produce gets to markets on time and retains its economic value,” he said.

The Governor noted that the project goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for prosperity, connectivity and shared progress.

He also recalled the flag-off of the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road last year, assuring residents that work on the project is progressing steadily and would be delivered within the stipulated timeframe.

While urging residents to safeguard the new facility, Governor Aiyedatiwa called on motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to ensure safety and preserve the longevity of the investment.

He congratulated the people of Akoko land on the completion of the project, expressing optimism that the road would stimulate economic activities and promote sustainable development in the area.

Speaking at the commissioning of Iselu-Isuada in Owo Local Government, the Governor emphasised that infrastructure remains the backbone of economic expansion and his administration is deliberate in laying that foundation with foresight and diligence.

He also added that his administration remains resolute in ensuring that the dividends of good governance are equitably distributed, leaving no community behind.

“No citizen will be marginalized; no locality will be neglected. Our governance philosophy is anchored on fairness, equity and shared prosperity in line with the OUR EASE Policy Thrust”.

“I make bold to say that under our administration, we have continued to accelerate the tempo of development across all sectors: roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and others so that every resident of the Sunshine State may partake meaningfully of our collective advancement.

“As we continue on this transformative journey, we shall be steadfast in to engaging our people constructively, listening attentively to their aspirations, and partnering collaboratively in building a future of enduring value.

“It is imperative to let this milestone strengthen our unity and deepen our shared commitment to progress. Together, let us take pride in our accomplishments and press forward toward even greater achievements for our dear State, he concluded.

Also speaking at the commissioning of the upgraded health center in Owo Local Government, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare delivery across Ondo State.

The governor said the project reflects his administration’s resolve to strengthen grassroots healthcare under the ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda, with a focus on revitalising primary health institutions across the state.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, he disclosed that 112 PHCs are currently undergoing structured upgrades statewide, with 51 already completed, adding that the Owo facility has now attained Level 2 standards, equipped with renovated clinical structures, newly built staff quarters, solar-powered electricity, borehole water supply, security fencing, a tricycle ambulance, and modern diagnostic and treatment equipment.

“Over ₦424 million was disbursed directly to PHCs in 2025 through the Direct Facility Funding mechanism, with an additional ₦117 million set for immediate release in 2026. I urge healthcare administrators in Owo to ensure that these investments translate into improved maternal health, stronger immunisation coverage, and timely emergency response,” he said.

According to him, the inclusion of staff accommodation within the facility is strategic in addressing challenges of absenteeism and irregular service delivery, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

“In many communities, lack of housing for health workers has contributed to gaps in service delivery. By providing comfortable residential quarters within the facility, we are ensuring round-the-clock availability of healthcare services and strengthening community-health worker integration”.

The governor urged healthcare administrators and workers in Owo to ensure that the improved infrastructure and increased funding translate into better maternal health outcomes, stronger immunisation coverage and timely emergency response.

He reiterated his administration’s determination to build a functional, reliable and sustainable healthcare system that delivers quality services to residents at the grassroots.

 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the commissioning ceremonies reflected the administration’s firm commitment to infrastructural transformation within one year.

At Oka-Akoko, he said the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road is a six-kilometre single carriageway with an average width of 10.3 metres and 7.3 metres on the carriageway. Hydraulic structures, he noted, were constructed in built-up areas, while earth drains were provided in non-built-up areas, with 150mm thickness of asphalt applied.

In Owo, Olawoye disclosed that the roads commissioned – Opomulero Road, Iselu, Isuada Road and Adelami Road – have a combined length of 3.5 kilometres and an average width of 7.3 metres.

He added that hydraulic structures were constructed along the entire stretch on both sides, amounting to 7,000 millimetres of drainage infrastructure.

He further noted that the government had completed Kajola and Falodun roads in the local government area.

The commissioner urged residents of Opomulero, Isuada, Iselu and Adelami to safeguard the roads and prevent vandalism, appreciating host communities for their cooperation during construction.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, appreciated the governor for initiatives such as transactional ambulances, a 24-hour solar-powered water system, and staff quarters.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, said in the history of the state and his years of service in the medical sector, this is the first time a governor is building staff quarters for health workers.

Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, expressed delight at receiving the governor for the fifth time in one year, describing the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road as a testament to purposeful leadership.

He, however, called attention to pressing needs, including the landslide that threatened the Iwaro–Oke Oka Road and erosion that caused failing bridges at Oba, Ayegunle and Supare Road. He also appealed for rehabilitation of the Oba–Ikun Afo–Idoani Roads and attention to Epinmi Simerin, Oba and Ugbe Road.

The Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government, Ibrahim Ahmed, said residents had initially doubted the prospect of meaningful development after the demise of the former governor but commended Aiyedatiwa for proving them wrong.

Ahmed praised the approval of projects in the area and pledged continued support. He highlighted the installation of solar lights, saying the town at night gives an impression comparable to being in London.

He thanked the Commissioner for Finance for her contributions and reaffirmed the council’s loyalty.

The Olubaka of Oka, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, congratulated the governor on the 50th anniversary celebrations of Ondo State and described his first year as impactful.

He recalled that previous administrations failed to complete the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road, noting that a former governor, now of blessed memory, began the project but did not finish it, while successors also left it undone.

The monarch observed that though initiated by a former governor from the Southern Senatorial District, it was completed by Aiyedatiwa, also from the Southern Senatorial District.

Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, appreciated the governor’s visit and the commissioning of projects.

He acknowledged appointments given to indigenes of Owo, including having their son as deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, and Mrs Omowunmi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance.

The monarch commended improvements in road infrastructure and solar lighting, noting that economic activities now extend into the night.

He appealed for further intervention, particularly the urgent conclusion of the approved conversion of the reverse gear-whirlpool technique to a university, expressing confidence that the governor would act promptly and praying for his safe return to Akure.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; 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; Political appointees; among other dignitaries.