Aiyedatiwa Flags Off 2.38km Akure Flyover, Says Project Will Drive Economic Growth
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure, describing the project as a major intervention to ease traffic congestion and reposition the state capital for economic growth.
The 94-span flyover, which will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station in Alagbaka, is expected to improve mobility and facilitate the movement of people and goods across one of the busiest corridors in the city.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project was the product of careful planning, technical assessment and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
He described the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery connecting markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and residential communities.
According to him, increasing population, vehicular movement and commercial activities have placed enormous pressure on the corridor, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and increased risks of road accidents.
He said the flyover would reduce travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution associated with prolonged traffic delays, while improving safety and productivity.
“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then, we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor said the project would strengthen Akure’s position as an investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to approved designs, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and professionalism.
Aiyedatiwa also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor throughout the construction period.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the project became necessary because the road corridor was operating about 50 per cent above its original design capacity.
Olawoye said the government considered several alternatives to address the congestion before settling on the flyover as the most practical solution.
He explained that the Ojaoba–Oba Adesida Road was constructed as a major township road around 1974 and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978. He added that the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko expanded the road from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres in 2001.
The commissioner said the government opted for a flyover rather than extensive demolition of properties along the corridor.
He said the structure would be approximately 2.4 kilometres long, with a 320-metre starting ramp and a 200-metre ending ramp, giving a combined ramp length of about 520 metres.
Olawoye listed several completed road projects across Akure, including Ajegunle Road, Odopetun–Oke Padi–Lao Road, Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odi Olowo Road, Bye-pass–Gbogi Street, UBA Road–The Stream in Alagbaka, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Road, Ayeloro Road, Akosile Road, Maronu Road and Plaza Road, among others.
He also highlighted ongoing road projects across the Central Senatorial District, including the 15.5km Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10km Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7km Akure–Ijare Road.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, expressed appreciation to the governor for projects executed across Akure and other parts of the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended the governor for initiating the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads, saying the projects would improve movement and address traffic challenges along major corridors in the city.
Also speaking, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, praised the governor for his infrastructure development efforts across the state.
The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, assured the government that the company would deliver the project according to specifications and within schedule.
Harb, who recalled the company’s involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about two decades ago, said the Akure flyover would be the second major project undertaken by the company in Ondo State.
He promised to minimise disruption to residents during construction, saying, “We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project.”
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; State APC Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, LCDA chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, permanent secretaries and other dignitaries.
