Aiyedatiwa Flags Off 8.8km Akure–Ijare Road, Promises Permanent End to Decades of Neglect
December, 11th, 2025
Ondo State witnessed another major infrastructure push on Thursday as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa officially flagged off the construction of the 8.8-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road — a project long awaited by communities in the Ifedore axis.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Ikota Junction in Ijare, the Governor said the project represents his administration’s commitment to delivering development that citizens can see and feel. He emphasized that governance, under his watch, is measured not by promises but by tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the road had been abandoned for years, forcing traders, farmers, students, and commuters to endure erosion-ridden and hazardous stretches. He assured that the new construction would permanently change the narrative.
The Governor also commended traditional leaders, religious figures, and community stakeholders for their support, and reaffirmed his administration’s policy of prioritizing competent indigenous contractors—represented on this project by Dortmund and Company Nigeria Limited, selected under the “OUR EASE Agenda.”
He described the Akure–Ijare Road as one of the most strategic investments in Ifedore and the Ondo Central Senatorial District. The project features a 14.6-metre carriageway, pedestrian walkways, solar-powered streetlights, reinforced concrete drainages, two-metre shoulders, landscaping, and bus lay-bys.
To minimize disruption, construction will be executed in three phases, with immediate palliative work expected to make the road motorable within four weeks. The contractor has an 18-month completion timeline, with the Governor pledging personal monitoring.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted over 150 kilometres of completed or ongoing road projects in the last 22 months, including the Ute Township Roads, Ikare–FMC–Ifesanmi dual carriageway in Owo, selected roads across four Akoko LGAs, the Oda Road dualisation, the Akure–Idanre Road, Ijoka dual carriageway, the Oba-Ile Housing Estate Road, Okitipupa township roads, and Ilaje link roads.
He added that once completed, the Akure–Ijare Road will cut travel time from over 30 minutes to less than 10.
The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national economic reforms that have increased federal allocations, enabling Ondo State to execute major projects without borrowing. He appealed for residents’ cooperation during construction and cautioned against vandalism.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, explained that the project comprises a 6.2km road from Akure to Ijare and a 2.8km spur to Ikota, featuring both flexible (asphalt) and rigid (concrete) pavements. He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to timelines.
Ifedore Local Government Chairman, Dipo Ajibola, described the project as the fulfilment of the people’s long-standing hope. Leaders from Ijare, including Egbe Ijare Chairman Akin Oluwole, called for similar interventions in surrounding communities and expressed the community’s gratitude and support.
The Owa of Araromi Omo Aladan, Oba Jaiyeoba Bamidele, hailed the Governor for keeping his campaign promise, calling the project a “generational legacy.”
Dortmund CEO, Pius Ayodele, assured that the company would deliver quality work in full compliance with specifications.
In her vote of thanks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, emphasized the road’s importance for women, traders, caregivers, farmers, and young people, saying it would expand access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; SSG Taiwo Fasoranti; Deputy Speaker Ololade Gbegudu; Commissioner for Finance Omowunmi Isaac; several local government chairmen; former Speakers Ayo Agbonmuseri and Bamidele Oleyeloogun; and royal fathers.
