KEY POINTS

• Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved a 2.38-kilometer flyover in Akure to ease congestion on a busy corridor.
• The State Executive Council also cleared road, drainage, education, health and water projects across Ondo.
• Approvals include upgrading Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university and rehabilitating the Owena Dam.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometer flyover in Akure, along with a wide range of road, health, education and water projects across the state. The State Executive Council, which the governor chaired, cleared the projects, according to the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye.

Flyover and roads to ease congestion

Olawoye said the flyover will run along Oba Adesida Road, from Adegbola Junction to the St Matthias/NNPC filling station in the Alagbaka area. According to him, traffic studies identified the Alagbaka-FUTA corridor as one of the busiest and most congested routes in the state capital, so the council approved the bridge as a long-term fix. Furthermore, he said the contractor would start preliminary surveys before construction begins.

In addition, the council approved several other road and drainage projects statewide. For instance, it cleared canalization works in Ilaje Local Government Area, concrete walkways in coastal communities, and multiple township and rural roads. Moreover, the council approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun-Akure/Owo Expressway, the construction of the Oba-Ikun-Afo-Idoani Road, and the rehabilitation of the Arigidi-Oke Agbe Road.

Education, health and water get a boost

On education, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said growing demand for university places drove the decision, and he added that the institution would offer faculties in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.

In the health sector, the council approved the procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialized equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo. According to Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, the package covers MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, mammography and X-ray machines, as well as theater equipment, all to strengthen care and medical training.

Finally, the council approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam, which should improve potable water supply to Akure and nearby communities. Commissioner for Water Resources, Ayodele Akande, said the project stands about 40 percent complete, with backing from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the French Development Bank. The council also confirmed Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele, after the community demanded a traditional ruler.