Ondo governor flags off construction of 8.8km Akure–Ijare Road
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the 8.8-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road, describing the project as a fulfilment of his administration’s promise to deliver tangible development across the state. The flag-off took place at Ikota Junction in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration measures governance by visible improvements in the lives of the people rather than empty promises. He noted that the Akure–Ijare road had suffered years of neglect, causing distress to traders, farmers, commuters, and students due to poor access, erosion-prone sections, and life-threatening conditions, but assured that the situation would now change permanently.
He commended local leaders, including royal and religious figures, for their prayers and support, and praised the contractor, Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited, a fully indigenous firm selected under his OUR EASE Agenda. He stressed that indigenous contractors would be prioritised wherever competence is equal.
Describing the road as a strategic infrastructure investment in Ifedore and Ondo Central Senatorial District, the governor outlined its features: a 14.6-metre carriageway, two-metre shoulders, reinforced concrete drainages, solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways, bus lay-bys, landscaping, and road furniture.
The project will be executed in three phases to reduce disruption, with palliative works starting immediately to make the existing road motorable within four weeks. The contractor has an 18-month deadline, and Governor Aiyedatiwa promised personal supervision of the project.
The governor also highlighted other roads completed or ongoing under his administration, covering over 150 kilometres across the state, including Ute Township Roads, Ikare Junction–FMC–Mobil Junction–Ifesanmi Junction Road in Owo, Oda Road dualisation, Akure–Idanre Road, Ijoka Road dual carriageway, Oba-Ile Housing Estate Road, and selected roads in Okitipupa and Ilaje LGA. He said the new road would reduce travel time from Akure to Ijare from over 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes.
Community leaders, including the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Dipo Ajibola, the Chairman of Egbe Ijare, Mr. Akin Oluwole, and the Owa of Araromi Omo Aladan, Oba Jaiyeoba Bamidele, commended the governor for easing travel difficulties, urged similar attention to other communities, and pledged loyalty and support.
The CEO of Dortmund Company, Pius Ayodele, promised strict adherence to project specifications, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said the road would serve as a lifeline for women, traders, farmers, caregivers, and young people, enhancing safety and access to commerce, education, healthcare, and essential services.
