One year in office: Gov Aiyedatiwa commissions Igoba township road, others

……..Says projects executed to boost connectivity, trade in Akure

…….. Residents hail infrastructure drive

By Precious Oluwole

As part of the activities lined up for the celebration of his one year in office, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, Commissioned several projects, including Igoba township road; Alagbaka extension behind SIB; Adegbola Health centre.

Others are; Omi-Irorun accelerated water scheme, FUTA Teaching Hospital; Surulere Health center in Ondo town.

The Governor stated that his administration is committed to delivering the dividends of good governance, stressing that the projects were carefully selected because of their strategic importance to residents and commuters within the state capital.

According to him, the roads will significantly enhance mobility, ease transportation challenges, improve access to businesses and stimulate economic growth.

The completed roads includes; Gbangbalogun-Odole-Odiolowo Road, Lao-Oke Padre-Odopetu Road, Eco Bank-Oke Arata Road, Ajegunle Road, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street and Igoba Road, among others.

He described Igoba Township Road as a reference point for the projects, stressing that it represents his administration’s deliberate effort to connect communities, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for development.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the successful completion of the projects demonstrates the effectiveness of his administration’s vision and the dedication of its workforce.

He assured residents that more people-oriented projects would be delivered in line with his administration’s OUR EASE policy thrust.

Reflecting on the past year, the Governor highlighted achievements recorded in education, healthcare, agriculture, security and infrastructure.

He said farmers have been empowered, small businesses supported and critical sectors strengthened to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

He described the road commissioning as a harbinger of greater accomplishments, pledging to continue prioritising projects that drive growth, create jobs and improve the welfare of the people.

Congratulating residents of Igoba and other beneficiary communities, Aiyedatiwa said the projects symbolise inclusive governance, purposeful leadership and a responsive government that listens to its people.

 

While commissioning the Alagbaka Extension Road, the governor described it as a strategic urban infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and enhance the functionality of the Alagbaka axis.

“The importance of this road cannot be overemphasised. It links adjoining streets and estates with major access routes and provides alternative access to Akure Airport,” he said.

The governor explained that the project was executed in accordance with standard engineering specifications, including pavement thickness, drainage, load-bearing capacity and long-term durability.

He urged residents and motorists to maintain the road and observe traffic regulations.

At the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme held at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said although the hospital had been handed over to the Federal Government, the state chose to execute the project under its own budget in the interest of the people.

He said the intervention would enhance healthcare delivery, reduce water-borne diseases, improve hygiene standards and increase operational efficiency within the hospital.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the governor had fulfilled his promise to prioritise infrastructural development.

“Upon assuming office, the governor pledged to prioritise infrastructure, especially road projects. After 12 months in office, he has delivered on these promises,” Olawoye said.

He described Igoba as one of the largest and fastest-growing communities in Akure and noted that the 5.5-kilometre single carriageway would significantly contribute to the community’s socio-economic growth.

Olawoye explained that time would not permit the commissioning of all road projects completed within the first year.

He listed ongoing works, including Oke-T Road (10km), Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road (24km), Imafo Road (9.5km) and Akungba Road (6.7km), highlighting the administration’s large-scale infrastructural drive.

He commended contractors and stakeholders for their dedication and expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting both stakeholders and the host community.

Also, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the water project as a landmark intervention reflecting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to water, sanitation and hygiene development.

He said the scheme, designed to advance Sustainable Development Goals 6, 1 and 2, features a 1m³ tank on a 12-metre-high extension, a 2.2-kilometre distribution network and a hybrid 10.2kW solar-powered system with groundwater discharge of 15m³ per hour.

According to him, the facility will supply 150m³ of clean water daily to about 6,000 residents.

Akande added that within one year, over 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state and earth dams rehabilitated, providing clean water to more than one million people and increasing access by 12 per cent.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, appreciated the governor for the road network in Igoba, noting that the governor always fulfils his promises.

In his goodwill message, the Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed gratitude to the governor, recalling when he led a delegation to advocate for Igoba Road and commending Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise.

The Oba appealed for the road to be extended to link Osi–Abo Asakin Road along the Akure–Owo Expressway and Isinigbo to Ado Road, stating that such expansion would boost economic development, improve security and reduce travel distances for commuters from Akure Airport and Owo.

 

He also drew attention to the poor condition of the road leading to the Health Centre in Igoba, noting the need for additional electricity transformers and the replacement of wooden poles with concrete ones to ensure safety and adequate power supply for the growing population.

The Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the project as “embodying the spirit of progress and development”, noting that it had transformed the area from neglect into a functional, accessible and pride-inducing community.

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; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; members of the State Executive Council; members of the 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.