By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure and several road projects across the state as part of efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and boost economic development.
The approvals were among key resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said traffic studies conducted by the government identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the most congested routes in the state capital.
According to him, the proposed flyover, located along Oba Adesida Road, will extend from Adegbola Junction to St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station at Alagbaka.
He explained that the project was recommended as the most effective solution to persistent traffic congestion along the corridor and that preliminary surveys would commence immediately following the council’s approval.
The council also approved the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, with a spur connecting Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other infrastructure projects approved include the construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside Road, and selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.
Additional road projects approved by the council include the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads within the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, and several roads spread across Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
The EXCO also 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 the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
In the education sector, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university to be known as the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was driven by increasing demand for university education and the need to strengthen specialised training in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
He noted that the institution would operate eight faculties and focus on practical learning and modern academic standards aimed at producing globally competitive graduates.
Meanwhile, the council approved the procurement of advanced radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment would include MRI and CT scan machines, ultrasound systems, mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, digital X-ray machines, theatre facilities, and specialised Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and ophthalmology equipment.
He said the intervention would significantly improve healthcare delivery and medical training in the state.
The Executive Council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam.
According to the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, the project is currently about 40 per cent completed and is expected to improve potable water supply to Akure and neighbouring local government areas.
He disclosed that the project is being 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 in Irele Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment followed longstanding requests from the community and expressed confidence that it would strengthen traditional leadership and promote peace and stability in the area.
