Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s resolve to complete all ongoing and inherited projects, assuring residents that work will soon resume on the dualisation of Ijoka Road.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Akure–Imafon Road Project at the NNPC–Imafon Junction along Igbatoro Road, the governor said no project under his watch would be abandoned. He urged residents to remain patient, stressing that his government remains focused on infrastructure renewal and efficient service delivery.
Aiyedatiwa described the new project as a direct response to longstanding appeals from communities in the area, noting that its commencement marks a key step in fulfilling promises made during his campaign and inauguration.
He commended traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, landlords and party loyalists for their self-help efforts in maintaining the road prior to government intervention.
“Your patience and perseverance have finally paid off. Government has taken over that burden, and your loyalty and sacrifice have not gone unrewarded,” he said.
The governor restated his target of reducing Ondo State’s infrastructure deficit by more than half before the end of his tenure—an ambition he believes is attainable if the current development tempo is maintained. He added that these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.
Highlighting the role of road networks in the “OUR EASE” policy framework, Aiyedatiwa said good roads remain essential to the movement of goods, services and ideas, describing them as the lifeblood of economic activity.
He announced that the State Executive Council recently approved the construction and rehabilitation of 101 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts. The initiative, he said, will ease traffic, open up communities and improve living standards.
Addressing residents of Akure North—particularly those in Igbatoro, Ala and Imafon—he appealed for cooperation to ensure the project’s completion before the end of the dry season, assuring that adjoining inner roads would also receive attention.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, said the Akure–Imafon Road spans six kilometres with an average width of 10.3 metres and includes several hydraulic and structural features. He added that another 5.3-kilometre stretch has been awarded from Investment Structure to the ShopRite Roundabout and the Federal Secretariat, with a 60-metre width.
Olawoye explained that multiple roads are being overlaid simultaneously due to the deterioration of previous wearing courses, which left binder layers exposed and worsened potholes.
In his goodwill message, the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu Adegbehingbe, described the project as a lifeline for his community.
“This project is not just a road; it is a symbol of hope, benevolence and connection—a lifeline that will open up our community, improve trade and bring social and economic growth to our people,” he said.
