•••Council upgrades RUGIPO to university, procures advanced medical equipment, secures Owena Dam funding
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure as part of a wide-ranging package of infrastructure, education, health and water development projects aimed at accelerating growth across the state.
The approval was among key decisions reached at the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said traffic studies identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the most congested routes in the state, necessitating the construction of a flyover bridge.
According to him, the flyover will run along Oba Adesida Road from Adegbola Junction to the St. Mattias/NNPC Filling Station axis at Alagbaka, while preliminary surveys are expected to commence immediately ahead of construction.
The council also approved several road and community development projects across the state, including the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other approved projects include the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and the rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road. Selected roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas also received approval.
In the education sector, the council approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was informed by the increasing demand for university education and the need to expand access to specialised training in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
The council further approved the procurement of advanced radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, including MRI and CT scan machines, mammography systems, digital X-ray facilities and other critical healthcare equipment.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the investment would significantly improve healthcare delivery and strengthen medical training in the state.
In a move to boost water supply, the Executive Council approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam project.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project, currently about 40 per cent completed, would enhance potable water supply to Akure and surrounding communities.
He added that the initiative is supported by international development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the French Development Bank.
The council also approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele, a decision government officials said would strengthen traditional leadership and promote peace and stability in the community.
The approvals are expected to boost infrastructure development, improve public services and drive economic growth across Ondo State.
