By our Reporter
His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, Vice President on Monday commissioned the Onyearugbulem–Shagari/Irese Road Flyover and Junction Improvement Project in Akure, describing it as a strategic infrastructure project capable of easing traffic congestion and driving industrial and commercial growth in Ondo State.
The commissioning ceremony was held along the busy Ilesha–Akure–Owo Expressway, where the Vice President said the project would improve traffic circulation, enhance road safety, and boost economic activities along the corridor.
Shettima commended the Ondo State Government for what he described as a timely intervention at a critical transport hub, stressing that infrastructure development remains vital to sustainable growth and regional integration.
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was joined at the event by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alongside other dignitaries, traditional rulers and security chiefs.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone, noting that it is the first flyover bridge ever constructed in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to the governor, the project represents more than just physical infrastructure, as it was designed to address years of traffic congestion, recurring accidents and economic disruptions at the Irese junction.
He recalled that the intersection linking the Onyearugbulem–Shagari axis and the Akure–Benin Expressway had long been notorious for gridlock, road crashes and loss of productive time.
“The corridor serves as a major gateway into the South-West and has over the years experienced severe congestion that negatively affected commercial activities and road safety,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor explained that the project was initiated under the administration of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and sustained by his administration to ensure its completion.
In honour of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who turned 100 on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that the flyover would henceforth be known as the Reuben Fasoranti Flyover.
He noted that his administration had intensified infrastructure renewal across the state over the past year, maintaining that quality infrastructure remains essential for economic growth, investment attraction and improved living standards.
Aiyedatiwa listed other ongoing and completed projects to include the dualisation of the Akure–Idanre Road, Akungba–Ikare Road, Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road, and College Road in Igbokoda.
He also highlighted the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of over 100 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts, including the Akure–Ijare Road, Akure–Imafon Road, Aiyegunle–Oka Road and Igbotako Road.
The governor stated that many of the projects had either been completed or were nearing completion.
Describing the Reuben Fasoranti Flyover as one of the flagship projects of his administration, Aiyedatiwa said the bridge had already improved traffic flow, reduced travel time and enhanced safety along the busy route.
He commended the contractors, engineers and indigenous professionals involved in the execution of the project for their competence and dedication.
The governor also appreciated residents of Akure for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction period, assuring that the project would serve generations of Ondo residents.
