Aiyedatiwa Marks One Year in Office with Major Road, Water Projects in Akure
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday marked the first anniversary of his administration with the commissioning of key road and water projects across Akure, underscoring what he described as a renewed drive for infrastructure-led development.
The projects, spread across the Akure metropolis, include the Igoba Township Road and the Alagbaka Extension Road, alongside several other completed roads aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic within the state capital.
Speaking during the ceremonies, Aiyedatiwa described the anniversary as both symbolic and reflective, noting that the projects represent his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy.
“These projects are critical infrastructure initiatives that connect communities, facilitate commerce and reflect our commitment to delivering the dividends of good governance,” he said.
Among the completed road projects are Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odiolowo Road, Lao–Oke Padre–Odopetu Road, Eco Bank–Oke Arata Road, Ajegunle Road, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street and Igoba Road.
The governor described Igoba Road as a strategic component of the state’s broader infrastructural agenda, citing its importance in linking communities, supporting trade and driving socio-economic development.
At the commissioning of the Alagbaka Extension Road, he noted that the project would enhance mobility within the Alagbaka axis, reduce congestion and provide alternative access to the Akure Airport. According to him, the road was constructed to standard engineering specifications, with adequate drainage and durable pavement structure.
As part of the anniversary activities, the governor also inaugurated the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.
He explained that although the hospital had been handed over to the Federal Government, the state executed the water project from its own budget in the interest of residents. The intervention, he said, would strengthen healthcare delivery, improve hygiene standards and reduce water-borne diseases.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the administration had delivered on its pledge to prioritise road development within its first 12 months. He noted that Igoba, described as one of the fastest-growing communities in Akure, would benefit significantly from the 5.5-kilometre single carriageway.
Olawoye added that ongoing projects across the state include the Oke-T Road (10km), Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road (24km), Imafo Road (9.5km) and Akungba Road (6.7km), reflecting what he termed a large-scale infrastructure push.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the water scheme as a landmark intervention aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 1 and 2. He disclosed that the facility features a 1m³ tank elevated on a 12-metre extension, a 2.2-kilometre distribution network and a hybrid 10.2kW solar-powered system capable of discharging 15m³ of groundwater per hour.
According to him, the scheme will supply 150m³ of potable water daily to about 6,000 residents. He further revealed that over 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state within the past year, increasing access to clean water by 12 per cent and benefiting more than one million people.
Community leaders and stakeholders commended the administration’s efforts. The Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, lauded the governor for fulfilling his promises, while the Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed appreciation for the completion of the long-advocated Igoba Road.
The Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the road project as transformative, saying it had turned the area into a more accessible and functional community.
The governor, through his deputy, also commissioned Adegbola Health Centre in Akure and Surulere Health Centre in Ondo town as part of the anniversary events.
