Ondo EXCO approves Owena Dam funding, flyover, RUGIPO upgrade
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam, in a move aimed at boosting potable water supply and improving public health outcomes across the state.
The approval formed part of key resolutions reached at the council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project, currently about 40 per cent completed, would significantly improve access to safe drinking water in Akure and neighbouring local government areas.
He added that the dam, upon completion, would serve as a major source of potable water for the state capital and at least four adjoining councils, while also supporting irrigation and other socio-economic activities.
Akande noted that the project is being implemented with the support of development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the French Development Agency, stressing that it would expand access to clean water, improve sanitation and reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.
In a related development, the council approved the construction of a new Ministry of Finance Office Complex, otherwise known as Finance House, at Alagbaka, Akure.
Similarly, it approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, following traffic studies that identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the state’s most congested routes.
Explaining the decision, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said comprehensive traffic counts were conducted at peak and off-peak periods, including early morning, afternoon and evening hours, to ascertain traffic volume along the axis.
According to him, the study assessed motorcycles, cars, lorries and other categories of vehicles, with findings revealing persistent congestion that necessitated the construction of a flyover as the most viable solution.
The proposed 94-span bridge will stretch from Adegbola Junction to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, with preliminary site surveys expected to commence immediately following EXCO’s approval.
In the education sector, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), to a University of Agricultural Science and Technology.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was driven by increasing demand for university education in the state.
He described RUGIPO as the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo, adding that the proposed university would run eight faculties covering agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
Ajibefun said the institution would emphasise practical training and modern academic standards, with a view to producing globally competitive graduates.
Also, the council approved the procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialised equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, listed the equipment to include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound machines, mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, static and mobile digital X-ray machines, 4D ultrasound systems, as well as theatre, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and ophthalmology equipment.
He said the intervention would enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen medical training in the state.
The council further approved the appointment of Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the decision followed sustained agitation by the community for the installation of a traditional ruler, expressing optimism that the appointment would promote peace and stability in the area.
It also approved a series of infrastructure projects across the state, including the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other projects include the construction of a concrete walkway in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside and selected roads in Igboegunrin.
Additional approvals cover the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, as well as selected roads across Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
The council also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and the rehabilitation of Arigidi–Okeagbe Road.
