Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Thursday officially commenced the construction of the 8.8-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road, describing it as a fulfillment of his administration’s commitment to delivering visible and sustainable development across Ondo State.
The ceremony took place at Ikota Junction in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area, where Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that his government evaluates progress by improvements in citizens’ lives rather than empty promises.
He noted that the road had long suffered neglect, causing difficulties for traders, farmers, commuters, and students due to poor accessibility, erosion, and dangerous conditions.
The Governor assured residents that the new project would permanently transform travel along the corridor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended local leaders, including traditional and religious figures, for their support and prayers.
He also praised Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited, the fully indigenous contractor selected under the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, reaffirming his policy of prioritizing competent indigenous firms for state projects.
Describing the road as a key strategic infrastructure for Ifedore and Ondo Central Senatorial District, the Governor outlined the project’s design features: a 14.6-metre carriageway, two-metre shoulders, reinforced concrete drains, solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways, bus lay-bys, landscaping, and modern road furniture.
He stated that construction would be executed in three phases to minimize disruption, with palliative works set to make the existing road motorable within four weeks.
The full project has an 18-month completion target under his personal supervision.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted his administration’s record on road development, noting that over the past 22 months, more than 150 kilometres of roads have been completed or are underway across the state’s senatorial districts.
Among these are the 9.75km Ute Township Roads (94.85% complete), 4.7km dual carriageway in Owo (83.47% complete), 17.54km asphalt overlay in Akoko LGAs, 15km Oda Road dualisation, 10km Akure–Idanre Road, Ijoka dual carriageway, 4.74km Oba-Ile Housing Estate Road (95% complete), solar streetlight installations in Akure (86.14% complete), 12.14km selected roads in Okitipupa (78.99% complete), and 10km selected roads in Ilaje LGA.
The Governor assured residents that the new road would cut travel time between Akure and Ijare from over 30 minutes to under 10 minutes.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal economic reforms that have increased allocations to states, enabling Ondo to execute major projects without borrowing.
Residents were urged to exercise patience during construction, guard against vandalism, and encourage youth to protect the infrastructure.
In his address of welcome, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, explained that the project comprises two roads: a 6.2km stretch from Akure to Ijare and a 2.8km spur to Ikota.
He also detailed the pavement types rigid concrete and flexible asphalt—and encouraged the contractor to adhere strictly to timelines.
Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Dipo Ajibola, described the project as the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration for residents, noting its benefits for students, workers, and local communities.
Egbe Ijare community leader, Mr. Akin Oluwole, commended the Governor for easing travel challenges and called for similar attention to nearby communities, urging revival of the old Ijare–Ikere Road and local skill acquisition centres.
The Owa of Araromi Omo Aladan, Oba Jaiyeoba Bamidele, praised the Governor for honoring campaign promises and establishing a generational legacy, assuring loyalty and support from his community. Meanwhile, Dortmund and Company CEO, Pius Ayodele, promised adherence to specifications and collaboration with government engineers to ensure high-quality delivery.
Dr. Seun Osamaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs, highlighted the road’s significance for women, traders, farmers, and young people, noting that it would expand access to commerce, education, healthcare, and other services.
She described the project as a milestone enhancing the connection between Akure and key communities, reaffirming its importance for the state’s future development.
