The chairman of Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State, Mr. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, has said that his administration is set to embark on “Operation Fix All Potholes” on major roads within the council headquarters to ease traffic flow.

Speaking in a chat with The Hope in his office, Akinfolarin explained that the “Operation Zero Potholes” initiative is aimed at making Ondo West the pride of its people.

He said all potholes within the council headquarters would be addressed to ensure free flow of traffic and to boost the productivity of the people.

He said, “We wish to assure you that hope has returned, and Ondo West shall once again be the pride of our state. We shall develop the right road infrastructure within our capacity in the council area as part of efforts to rebuild the comatose economy.”

The chairman added that his administration is determined to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people despite low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stressing that the welfare of the people remains his top priority.

The former legislator said, “It is a road revolution in the council area; we have what we call ‘Operation No Potholes’ on major roads in Ondo. In a few months from now, there will be no potholes on our major roads.”

He noted that he has a 15-point agenda aimed at developing Ondo West and making a meaningful impact, with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a major pillar.

“We are attracting a lot of investors to Ondo West Local Government through PPP. It’s a joint venture model that will ease financing and ensure quality delivery.

“Our areas of focus include education, health, power, infrastructure, rural and community development, youth and sports development, ICT/technology and human capital development, diaspora integration, poverty eradication and wealth creation, security and safety of lives and property, agricultural revolution, road revolution, trade and business promotion, corporate and community social responsibility, protection of traditional institutions and the environment, as well as erosion and flood control,” he explained.

Akinfolarin recalled the devastating flood experienced last year in Ondo West and appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift intervention.

He said, “The rains have started, and we are working round the clock to prevent a recurrence. We continue to sensitise our people on flood control measures. Clear the gutter in front of your house and keep the surroundings clean to prevent flooding.”

On education, Akinfolarin revealed plans to upgrade local government-owned Nursery and Primary Schools to Secondary Schools by September 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Speaking on youth development, he announced that the council has increased the monthly allowance of youth corps members serving in the local government from N2,000 to N15,000, to encourage better performance.

He also stated that the administration would complement the state’s efforts in improving security by supporting all security agencies operating in Ondo West.

“We are doing everything we can to support security agencies because the federal and state governments cannot do it alone. Following the footsteps of Mr Governor, who recently provided vehicles for security agencies, we will do our part at the local level,” he said.

Akinfolarin emphasised the importance of protecting traditional institutions, describing them as vital to community development and security.

He appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the impactful projects being executed across the state, adding that Ondo State is indeed fortunate to have him at the helm.