Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the 8.8-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road, marking what he described as another fulfillment of his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible, people-centred development across the state.
Speaking at Ikota Junction in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area, the Governor said his administration’s approach to governance is rooted in visible, measurable improvements in the daily lives of citizens, rather than “empty promises or political rhetoric.”
Aiyedatiwa noted that the Akure–Ijare road had suffered many years of neglect, leaving farmers, traders, commuters, and students to contend with worsening erosion, unsafe sections, and poor access. He assured residents that the hardship would now become history.
The Governor commended leaders across Ifedore, including royal fathers and religious figures, for their support and expressed confidence in the project contractor, Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited, an indigenous construction firm selected under his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda. He reiterated that local contractors would continue to be prioritized wherever competence is demonstrated.
Describing the road as one of the most strategic infrastructure investments in Ifedore and the Ondo Central Senatorial District, Aiyedatiwa outlined its features: a 14.6-metre-wide carriageway, two-metre shoulders, reinforced concrete drainages, solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways, bus lay-bys, landscaping, and modern road furniture befitting a major gateway into the state capital.
He said the project will be executed in three phases to minimize disruptions, with immediate palliative works to make the road motorable within four weeks. The contractor has an 18-month completion timeline, and the Governor pledged to personally monitor progress.
Aiyedatiwa also listed other completed or ongoing road projects under his administration spanning more than 150 kilometres across the three senatorial districts.
These include the 9.75km Ute Township Roads (94.85% completed); the 4.7km dual carriageway linking Ikare Junction–FMC–Mobil–Ifesanmi Junction in Owo (83.47% completed); 17.54km asphalt overlay works across four Akoko LGAs; the 15km Oda Road dualisation (commissioned in June 2025); the 10km Akure–Idanre Road; Ijoka Road dual carriageway; 4.74km Oba-Ile Housing Estate Road; solar-powered streetlight installations in Akure Township; and major roadworks in Okitipupa and Ilaje LGAs.
He added that the new Akure–Ijare Road would cut travel time from over 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes upon completion.
The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic reforms that have increased federal allocations, enabling Ondo State to expand its infrastructure footprint without borrowing. He appealed for residents’ patience during construction, warned against vandalism, and urged youths to protect the project.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the project comprises a 6.2km stretch from Akure to Ijare and a 2.8km spur to Ikota, combining both flexible (asphalt) and rigid (concrete) pavement designs. He charged the contractor to keep to schedule and quality.
Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Dipo Ajibola, described the project as the fulfillment of a long-awaited desire of the people, noting that the road will ease movement for residents, students, and workers.
Also speaking, Chairman of Egbe Ijare, Mr. Akin Oluwole, hailed the Governor for easing travel difficulties and appealed for similar attention to communities such as Ilere, Irese, Aaye, and Araromi Omo Aladan. He also urged the revival of the Ijare–Ikere Road and the local skill acquisition centre.
The Owa of Araromi Omo Aladan, Oba Jaiyeoba Bamidele, commended the Governor for honouring his campaign promises and delivering a “generational legacy.”
Managing Director of Dortmund Company, Pius Ayodele, assured that the project would adhere strictly to specifications, while Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said the road would significantly improve access to commerce, education, healthcare, and essential services, especially for women, traders, farmers, and caregivers.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac; local government chairmen; former Speakers Ayo Agbonmuseri and Bamidele Oleyeloogun; and several royal fathers.
