By Precious Oluwole
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure has reiterated its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to enhance inclusive infrastructural development across the state.
During an oversight visit to the Ministry in Akure, members of the committee, led by the Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, commended the Ministry’s efforts and technical expertise while calling for broader infrastructural interventions, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, and rural road access.
While applauding the comprehensive presentation by the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, the lawmakers emphasized the need to extend development beyond road construction to include the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, and other essential public facilities.
“We recognize the enormity of your mandate and its importance to the administration’s legacy. However, more attention must be given to drainage systems during road construction to prevent flooding caused by inadequate or blocked channels,” Gbegudu stated.
Other members of the committee — including the Majority Leader and Committee Vice Chairman, Chief Olatunji Oshati; Dr. Christopher Ogunlana; Primate Oluwatoyin Allen; and Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa — lauded the Commissioner and his team for their dedication. They also called for increased synergy between the Ministry and the legislature to fast-track development efforts.
The lawmakers made a special appeal for the inclusion of long-abandoned road projects, citing their importance to community development and peace. Chief Olatunji Oshati, representing Ose Constituency, particularly urged the Ministry to prioritize the Oba–Idoani Road, describing it as economically and socially vital to the people of the area.
In response, Engr. Olawoye acknowledged the concerns and explained that delays in reviving the Oba–Idoani Road stemmed from legal and procedural challenges involved in terminating the existing contract. He, however, assured the committee that the Ministry would begin work on the Afo–Idoani Road as an interim measure, pending the reactivation of the Oba–Afo Phase 1 project.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Olawoye provided an overview of major projects being executed across the state. He explained that the Ministry comprises technical departments — including Civil Engineering, Planning, Quality Control, and the Chief Resident Engineer (CRE) unit — which collectively oversee project execution and compliance.
Highlighting key dual carriageway projects currently underway, the Commissioner cited the 10km Idanre Road, the 37.2km Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road, and the 6.2km Akungba Axis Road. These projects, he said, include modern features such as pedestrian walkways, median strips, solar-powered streetlights, traffic management systems, and complex hydraulic structures.
He described the Akungba project as particularly iconic, noting that it involves challenging rock excavation up to 18 meters deep — a feat he credited the State Government for courageously undertaking.
Beyond road infrastructure, Olawoye said the Ministry is also rehabilitating government buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities as part of its broader development mandate.
In his closing remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Akin Omotola, appreciated the committee’s visit and pledged continued alignment with the state’s development blueprint. He expressed optimism that the visit would usher in a stronger partnership between the executive and legislature, ultimately accelerating the delivery of quality infrastructure across Ondo State.
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