Akure gets 2.38km flyover as Aiyedatiwa targets economic growth

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday flagged off the construction of a 2.38 kilometre flyover in Akure, saying the project will ease traffic congestion and reposition the state capital for greater economic activities and investment.

The 94-span bridge, which will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba, Adegbemile-Omieja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station in Alagbaka, is part of the government’s urban renewal and infrastructure development programme.

Aiyedatiwa said the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida corridor had become heavily congested because of increasing population, vehicular movement and commercial activities, resulting in longer travel times, safety concerns and losses to businesses.

“The corridor is where the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain,” the governor said, adding that the project would improve mobility, reduce travel time and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the project became necessary because the road corridor was currently operating about 50 per cent above its original capacity.

Olawoye said the government considered several options before settling for the flyover, noting that the choice was intended to tackle congestion while avoiding extensive demolition of properties along the busy corridor.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, commended the governor for the project and other road interventions in the city, saying the flyover would address major transportation challenges and improve movement across Akure.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, whose firm is handling the project, assured the government that the bridge would be delivered according to specifications and within schedule. “We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” he said.