Aiyedatiwa marks first anniversary with road, water projects commissioning in Akure
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Thursday commissioned a series of road and water projects across Akure, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and improved living standards.
The projects, inaugurated as part of activities marking the first anniversary of his administration, include the Igoba Township Road and the Alagbaka Extension Road, alongside several others within the state capital.
Speaking during the ceremonies, Aiyedatiwa described the occasion as symbolic, expressing gratitude to God while underscoring the importance of infrastructure in driving economic growth and social development.
He said the projects were designed to connect communities, facilitate commerce and improve the daily lives of residents, traders and commuters.
Among the completed roads are Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odiolowo Road, Lao–Oke Padre–Odopetu Road, Eco Bank–Oke Arata Road, Ajegunle Road, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street and Igoba Road.
The governor identified Igoba Road as a critical component of his administration’s broader development agenda, noting its strategic role in linking communities and boosting economic activities.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Aiyedatiwa highlighted achievements across key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and security, adding that farmers and small-scale businesses had received targeted support.
He explained that the projects align with his administration’s OUR EASE policy, which focuses on economic growth, job creation and equitable development.
On the Alagbaka Extension Road, the governor said the project was conceived to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and enhance access to key parts of the city, including routes leading to the Akure Airport.
According to him, the road was constructed to standard engineering specifications, ensuring durability and efficient drainage.
At the inauguration of the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme located at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure, the governor represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami said the intervention was aimed at improving healthcare delivery and sanitation.
He noted that the project, executed by the state despite the hospital’s federal status, would enhance hygiene, reduce water-borne diseases and improve operational efficiency.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the administration had fulfilled its promise to prioritise road construction, adding that Igoba, one of the fastest-growing communities in Akure, would significantly benefit from the 5.5-kilometre road.
He also listed ongoing projects, including Oke-T Road, Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road, Imafo Road and Akungba Road, as evidence of the government’s sustained infrastructure drive.
Similarly, Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the water scheme as a major milestone, noting that it would supply about 150 cubic metres of clean water daily to approximately 6,000 residents.
He added that over 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state within the past year, improving water access for more than one million people.
Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, lauded the administration’s intervention in Igoba, while the Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed appreciation for the fulfilment of commitments made to the community.
Also, Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the road project as transformative, noting that it had improved accessibility and enhanced the area’s development.
