Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, on Thursday inaugurated the 6-kilometre Akure-Imafon road project, underscoring his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and service delivery.
Addressing residents at a flag-lowering ceremony at Imafon Junction, Igabatolo Road, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project was a strategic response to a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region, adding that the event was a milestone in fulfilling the promises he made during his election campaign and when he took office.
The Governor commended traditional and spiritual leaders, party members, government officials, youth leaders and landowners across the communities in the axis for their resilience and self-reliance in maintaining the road network over the years.
“Your patience and perseverance has finally paid off. The government has taken over the burden and your loyalty and sacrifices have not gone unrewarded,” he added.
Governor Ayedatiwa reiterated his administration’s determination to close more than half of the state’s infrastructure gap by the end of his term, complementing President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s New Hope Transformation Agenda and expressed confidence that the goal can be achieved if the current pace of development continues.
He emphasized that infrastructure expansion and human capital development remain at the heart of his administration’s policy initiative, OUR EASE, aimed at rapidly advancing human development.
He says a good road network facilitates the free flow of goods, services and ideas, which are the lifeblood of modern economies.
Revealing that the State Executive Council recently approved the rehabilitation and construction of 101 kilometers of new roads across the state’s three senatorial districts, the governor said the initiative will ease the movement of vehicles, open up communities for development and improve the standard of living of the people.
He appealed to residents of northern Akure, especially residents of Igbatolo, Ala and Imafon communities, to cooperate in ensuring smooth implementation of the project before the end of the dry season, assuring that attention would also be given to the adjoining internal roads.
The governor further assured that his administration would complete all inherited projects in the state, stressing that the ongoing Ijoka dual carriageway construction work would resume soon.
Governor Ayedatiwa pledged that no project would be abandoned and asked for continued patience and understanding from residents.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoe, highly appreciated Governor Ayedatiwa’s contribution to infrastructure development in the state.
Olawoye explained that the construction of the Akure-Imafon road will have a total length of six kilometers, an average width of 10.3 meters, and include several hydraulic and structural components.
He added that an additional 5.3 kilometers from the Investment Structure to the Shortlight Roundabout will be given to the Federal Secretariat, with an average width of 60 meters.
Mr Olawoe noted that many residents were wondering why the government was building several roads at once. He explained that the previously worn course was worn out because the binder course was exposed to weather conditions and repeatedly developed potholes.
In his address, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Mr. Johnson Ogunborde, also commended Governor Ayedatiwa for the project.
The council president reaffirmed Akure North’s full support to the governor’s administration, describing his leadership as people-oriented and inclusive.
In a goodwill message, the Olumafon, Oba Aliu Adegbehimbe, said the project was a symbol of hope and development for the community.
“This project is more than just a road. It is a symbol of hope, charity and connection, a lifeline that opens our communities, improves trade and brings social and economic growth to our people,” he said.
The King expressed his deep gratitude to Governor Ayedatiwa for translating the community’s appeal into action, recalling that the Governor had promised to fix the roads when he visited Imafon at around 11:30 pm last year. “It’s been less than a year and they’ve done a great job,” he said.
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