Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure, describing it as a strategic intervention to tackle persistent traffic congestion and boost investment and economic growth.
The flyover will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Om eja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, as part of the administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.
Flagging off the project, the Governor said the intervention was designed to provide a modern transport solution that would improve mobility, safety and the movement of people and goods along one of Akure’s busiest corridors.
“This is a long-awaited moment and we are proud of the singular honour and privilege to formally flag-off the construction of the Flyover Bridge along the Oyemekun Oba Adesida Road Corridor, from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, Akure, covering 2.38 kilometres,” he said.
He said the project followed careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement.
Aiyedatiwa described the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery linking markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.
“It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents,” the governor added.
He said the congestion had affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised residents’ safety and well-being.
According to him, the flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while reducing travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution caused by prolonged traffic delays.
He said the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive, investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then, we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,” he said.
The governor charged the contractor to execute the project according to the approved design, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity.
He also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor during construction.
He said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and the deployment of public resources to projects with clear and measurable benefits.
The governor said the flyover formed part of efforts to modernise Akure and provide infrastructure capable of supporting enterprise, productivity and inclusive economic development.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the project had become necessary because the road was operating about 50 per cent above its design capacity.
Olawoye said the ministry considered various options for tackling the congestion before settling on the flyover bridge as the most practical solution.
He said the Ojaoba–Adesida Road was constructed as a major township road around 1974 in the then Western State and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978. In 2001, the administration of Dr Olusegun Mimiko expanded it from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres.
He said no major construction had taken place along the corridor since then, despite rising traffic and population.
Olawoye said the government chose the flyover instead of extensive demolition of properties along the corridor.
He said the structure would be about 2.4 kilometres long, comprising a 320-metre starting ramp and a 200-metre ending ramp at Adegbola and Omieja A Division, giving a combined ramp length of about 520 metres.
The commissioner said the administration had completed several road projects in Akure, including Ajegunle Road; Odopetun–Oke Padi–Lao Road; Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odi Olowo Road; Bye-pass–Gbogi Street; UBA Road–The Stream in Alagbaka; Oja Oshodi Road; SK Bright Road; Ayeloro Road; Akosile Road; Maronu Road; Plaza Road; Bishop Court–Civil Service Commission Road; Site–Government House–CBN Road; Igoba Road; selected roads in Ajipowo Estate; selected roads in Afunbiowo Estate; and Alagbaka Extension–SIB Road.
He added that ongoing projects in the Central Senatorial District include the 15.5km Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10km Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7km Akure–Ijare Road.
Other ongoing projects, he said, include 4km of selected roads in Oba-Ile Housing Estate Phase II; 5.3km of access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences along Laje Road; 5km covering Araromi Road, Ijare, Odo Ode–Odo Oja Road, Igbara Oke and selected roads in Ilara Mokin; 5.4km covering Sabo Orimolade Road, Akinkugbe Road, Esso Ebenezer Road, Yaba and other selected roads in Ondo West; 6.4km from MTD Roundabout to Olofin Grammar School with a spur to Technical College Road, Idanre; 6.55km rehabilitation/asphalt overlay of Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway and selected roads in Akure South; and 5km covering Holy Trinity–KOPEC Junction–Italurowo and other selected roads in Ondo East.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said Akure residents remain grateful to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the numerous projects executed in the city and across the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, in his goodwill message, commended the governor for the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads in Akure, saying the projects would improve movement and address challenges along major corridors.
Also speaking, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the project and his infrastructure development efforts across the state.
The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, said the company had been entrusted with executing the project and will not disappoint.
Harb recalled his involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about 20 years ago, noting that the project marks the second time the company would undertake a major project in Ondo State.
He assured the governor that the project would be completed on schedule and according to specifications, promising to minimise disruption to the host community.
“We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” Harb said.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; State Chairman of the APC, Hon Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; LCDA chairmen; traditional rulers; religious leaders; political appointees; permanent secretaries; and other dignitaries.
