Aiyedatiwa flags off 2.38km Akure flyover
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure.
The governor described the project as a strategic intervention to ease traffic congestion and reposition the state capital for increased economic activities and investment.
The flyover, which will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station in Alagbaka, is part of the administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development programme.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Aiyedatiwa said the project was designed to provide a modern transport solution that would improve mobility, enhance road safety and facilitate the movement of people and goods along one of the busiest corridors in Akure.
The governor said the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis had become a major commercial, administrative and social artery connecting markets, financial institutions, schools, religious centres and densely populated residential communities.
According to him, the rapid growth of the city, coupled with increasing vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities, had placed enormous pressure on the corridor, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and heightened risks of road accidents.
“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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa added that the situation had negatively affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised the safety and well-being of residents, stressing that the flyover would address some of the longstanding challenges confronting commuters and businesses in the area.
He said the project, alongside other associated road improvements, would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, as well as lower air pollution caused by prolonged traffic delays.
The governor further said the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining skilled manpower 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.
Aiyedatiwa said the project was conceived after careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive engagement with relevant stakeholders, adding that his administration remained committed to deploying public resources to projects with clear and measurable benefits.
He charged the contractor, Bulletin Construction Company, to execute the project in line with approved designs, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of quality, professionalism and safety.
The governor also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor throughout the construction period.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover became necessary because the road corridor was currently operating about 50 per cent above its design capacity.
Olawoye said the ministry had considered various options for addressing the traffic challenge before settling for the flyover as the most practical solution.
He explained that the Oja oba–Oba Adesida Road was constructed as a major township road around 1974 in the then Western State and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978.
According to him, the road was subsequently expanded from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres in 2001 during the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, with no major construction undertaken on the corridor since then despite the significant increase in population and traffic.
The commissioner said the government opted for a flyover rather than embarking on extensive demolition of properties along the corridor, noting that the structure would be about 2.4 kilometres long.
He said it would comprise 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.
Olawoye also listed several road projects completed by the Aiyedatiwa administration 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; and selected roads in Ajipowo and Afunbiowo estates.
He added that other road projects were ongoing across the Central Senatorial District, including the 15.5-kilometre Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10-kilometre Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said residents of Akure remained grateful to the governor for the infrastructure projects executed in the city and other parts of the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended Aiyedatiwa for the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads, saying the projects would enhance movement and address traffic challenges along major corridors in the city.
Similarly, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, praised the governor for his infrastructure development efforts across the state.
The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, assured the governor that the company would deliver the project according to specifications and within the agreed timeline.
Harb, who recalled his involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about two decades ago, said the flyover project would mark the second major construction project undertaken by the company in Ondo State
“We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” he said, while assuring residents that the company would minimise disruption to the host community during construction.
The ceremony was attended by 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.
Others are State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, LCDA chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, permanent secretaries and other dignitaries.
