The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge along Oba Adesida Road in Akure to tackle severe traffic congestion. Presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the council greenlit the massive infrastructure project following traffic studies identifying the Alagbaka–FUTA corridor as a major bottleneck.
According to the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, the bridge will span from Adegbola Junction to the St. Mattias/NNPC filling station at Alagbaka. Contractors are set to commence preliminary surveys immediately to ensure a seamless kickoff for the landmark project.
Beyond the state capital, the government approved a massive wave of road and maritime infrastructure projects cutting across multiple local government areas. Notable among these is the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, alongside concrete walkway constructions in Ilaje communities like Obenla and Idiogba.
Riverine and rural connectivity received a significant boost with approvals for the Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, and the Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road. Additional inner-city and access roads were approved for the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Owo, Idanre, and Odigbo, among other localities.
In the northern senatorial district, the council gave the nod for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway. Other key northern interventions include the construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, the Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
Turning to education, the EXCO officially approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo. As the state’s oldest tertiary institution, the facility will now pivot toward modern, practical academic standards to meet the rising demand for university education.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, revealed that the new university will operate eight specialized faculties. These will span agriculture, science, technology, and engineering, aiming to produce globally competitive graduates equipped with hands-on expertise.
Major advancements are also coming to the health sector following the approved procurement of state-of-the-art radiodiagnostic and specialized equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo. The procurement includes MRI machines, CT scans, mammography equipment, and digital X-ray systems to drastically improve healthcare delivery.
To address regional water scarcity, the state government approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multi-purpose Owena Dam. Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, noted that the project is 40% complete and will drastically improve clean water supply to Akure and surrounding local government areas.
Finally, the council officially ratified the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area. The decision follows prolonged requests from the community, with the government expressing confidence that the new traditional ruler will foster stability and strengthen local leadership.
