Aiyedatiwa Approves Another Flyover For Akure, Road Projects For Idoani, Okeagbe, Others

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In further efforts to reduce time spent on roads due to traffic jams, the Ondo State Executive Council, at a meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, the state capital.

This is an outcome of traffic studies, which identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the state’s major traffic bottlenecks.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the findings showed persistent congestion along the route, and a flyover was recommended as the most effective solution.

He said the flyover bridge will be along Oba Adesida road and stretch from Adegbola Junction to St Mattias/NNPC filling station at Alagbaka.

The contractor would commence preliminary surveys ahead of construction.

Other infrastructure projects approved across the state include the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.

Others are the construction of a concrete walkway in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside and selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.

Also approved for construction are the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, and selected roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.

The council further approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and rehabilitation of Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.

The council also approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was informed by growing demand for university education in the state.

He described RUGIPO as the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo State, adding that the proposed university would operate eight faculties in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.

Ajibefun said the institution would focus on practical training and modern academic standards, aimed at producing graduates capable of competing globally.

In the health sector, the council approved the procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialised equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound machines, mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, static and mobile digital X-ray machines, 4D ultrasound systems, as well as theatre, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and ophthalmology equipment.

He said the intervention would enhance healthcare delivery and medical training in the state.

The council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam