By Chris Chimezie & Mary Agidi
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About 300 people whose properties were affected by the dualisation of roads in Akure, Ikare and Owo townships and construction of Ore flyover were yesterday given cheques as compensations for their affected properties.

The road projects include the dualisation of 4.5km Ikare road, dualisation of phases two and three of Owo township road, and dualisation of ‘A’ Division to Ijoka road in Akure.

Others are construction of the 15.5km Ijoka/Idanre road, Ore flyover and 12km Okitipupa bypass.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the presentation of the stated that the payment was to make it easy for them to relocate, acquire new properties and continue life without hardship or encumbrances.

He said: “Today marks the first phase of payment on the schedule. The quantum of money we are paying today is a demonstration of our good intention to the people whose properties were affected one way or the other.

“This is why our government is ensuring that all those whose properties are affected by our development activities are duly compensated.”

Akeredolu further emphasised that no one would be forced to bear any burden in the bid to accelerate the infrastructural development of the state.

He enjoined citizens of the state to work for peace in their various communities and support the present administration in its quest to continue delivering a well-thought-out developmental projects to the people.

“The era of abandoned projects in the state has gone for good. While we are not unaware of the limited funds at the disposal of government to meet the ever-increasing needs of our people, we pledged that we shall ensure prudent management of resources not only for the benefit of the privileged few but the entire Ondo people”.

“Let me reiterate that our administration is irrevocably committed to the successful completion of all ongoing projects. All projects awarded will be duly paid for on satisfactory completion.

Akeredolu, who described the industrialisation going on in Ore as first of its kind in the state, posited that the Textile Mill at the Ore Industrial Park would absorb thousands of women, while the Paper Mill in Ore is nearing completion, would also create lots of employment opportunities for the citizens of the state.

While commending the efforts of the Governor for the prompt release of funds for road projects, the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Taofiq Abdulsalam assured that the huge investments in the area of road construction would be effectively and adequately protected and ensure value for money.

He expressed the Ministry’s readiness to ensure that contractors will not only use quality materials as contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Valuation (BEME), but that jobs will be carried out according to specifications.

The Commissioner also charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money released to them which was principally to assist them in continuing their good life seamlessly.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a former Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs. Margaret Akinsuroju said they were not angry about the demolition of their monumental projects, since it is in the interest of the public.

Another beneficiary from Akure, Mr. Alade Jacob thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise. Also, Mrs. Ogunoye Titilayo said the money will be shared among her siblings because the affected property belongs to their late father.

Traditional rulers at the event included the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, the Olore of Ore Oba Johnson Olatunde, the Oniyere of Iyere Owo, the Aro of Akure representing the Deji of Akure, the Olowo of Owo, represented by High Chief Elerewe and the Elemure of Emure-Owo.

The Olore, Oba Johnson Olatunde, thanked the governor for the construction of the flyover in Ore which he said is long overdue, saying that the project will  prevent accidents and hold-ups in the area.

The Oniyere of Iyere, Oba Omotunde, on his part, lauded the effort of the current administration for transforming his community by dualising their road.

He assured the governor of the loyalty and full support of his people.

The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Yayi Akorede commended the prompt intervention of Akeredolu-led administration to renovate dilapidated primary school building across the state, including all the AUDs schools.

Also, the Bishop of the Akure Anglican diocese, Simeon Borokini who was represented by Venerable Komolafe, while also commending the governor, appealed to him to consider the new minimum wage that would be endorsed by the Federal Government.