Ondo govt approves flyover bridge, expands road, water infrastructure
As Rufus Giwa Polytechnic gets upgrade
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Government has approved a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, alongside a fresh wave of road, health, education and water infrastructure projects across the state aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving public services.
The decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, following traffic assessments that identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) axis as a major congestion point in the state capital.
According to the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, the flyover project along Oba Adesida Road will stretch from Adegbola Junction to the St. Matthias/NNPC filling station area in Alagbaka, with preliminary surveys expected to commence immediately after approval.
Beyond the Akure flyover, the council also approved extensive road and drainage works across coastal and hinterland communities, including canalisation of a 40-kilometre main channel from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur leading to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area, as part of efforts to address flooding and improve drainage.
The Ondo government further endorsed several road projects, including township roads in Obenla, Idiogba, Zion Pepe–Agerige, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside, and selected routes in Igboegunrin, as well as strategic link roads such as Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo, and Okumo–Igodan Lisa corridors.
In the education sector, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo, a development the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said was driven by rising demand for university education and the need for practical, skills-based training.
On health, the government approved the procurement of advanced radiodiagnostic equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, mammography units, and digital X-ray machines, aimed at strengthening diagnostic capacity and medical training across the state.
The council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam, a project about 40 per cent completed and supported by international partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank and French Development Bank, while also confirming the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele to strengthen traditional leadership in the area.
