…okays infrastructure, anti-graft, ministry building upgrades
…three new monarchs appointed across Ondo communities
By Fisayo Akinduro
Determined to accelerate development across Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the construction and rehabilitation of 101.036 kilometres of roads as part of efforts to close infrastructure gaps
The approval was part of the decisions taken at the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Akure.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, explained that the projects would cover both new constructions and rehabilitation works in key locations across the state.
He disclosed that the State Executive Council approved 66.421 kilometres of new roads and 34.615 kilometres of rehabilitation and reconstruction works, bringing the total to 101.036 kilometres.
Among the new roads approved for construction are the 8.5km College Road–Okoga Junction to Irewole Roundabout in Igbokoda, 21.2km Omotosho–Igbotako–Ijolu-Odo Road, 6.2km Akure–Ijare Road, 2.6km Ikota Township Road, and 6km Akure–Imafon Road.
Others include the 15.72km Danjuma–Bolajoko Road with spurs to Isikan, Shoprite, Federal Secretariat, and SIB, as well as 6.201km Afunbiowo Estate, Alpha 3D Estate, Senior Staff Club Road and adjoining links in Akure.
For rehabilitation and reconstruction, Olawoye listed the 17.38km selected roads in Akure (Phase D), the 9.1km internal roads covering El-Shaddai, Sunview, Olokunwolu, Oba-Ile and Ijapo Extension, and the 8.135km dual carriageway from A-Division to Hospital Road, Oluwatuyi, Ijoka, Alaafiatayo and Idiagba Tintun.
He said the projects were approved to ease vehicular movement, enhance commerce and open up communities for development.
The State Executive Council also approved the construction of a 216-bed hostel at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko, to improve accommodation for corps members posted to the state.
In addition, the government will embark on the construction of a two-storey building for the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as the renovation of office buildings belonging to the Hospital Management Board (HMB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Ministries of Water Resources, Women Affairs and Lands and Housing.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, while also briefing journalists, announced the appointment of three new traditional rulers across the state.
He listed them as Prince Emmanuel Adetutu Ifasole, appointed as the Akinuwa of Ipindo in Ondo West Local Government area; Prince Bamikole Adeyefa, as the Elemure of Emure-Ile in Owo Local Government area; and Prince Akintoye Felix Adeoye, as the Oluoke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government area.
Takuro added that the Council also approved the constitution of a Warrant Chiefs Committee for the Olojoda Chieftaincy Stool, comprising six nominees drawn from the ruling houses of the community.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the latest approvals reflect the administration’s resolve to continue with its developmental agenda aimed at ensuring that governance impacts every part of the state.
“This government is focused on projects that touch lives directly. Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to deliver visible results through massive infrastructure renewal,” Ajanaku said.