By Segun Giwa
The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure and the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to a university.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Akure on Tuesday.
Olawoye said the flyover project was approved following traffic studies that identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the major traffic congestion points in the state capital.
According to him, the flyover, to be located on Oba Adesida Road, will stretch from Adegbola Junction to St. Mattias/NNPC Filling Station at Alagbaka.
He explained that the project was recommended as the most effective solution to persistent traffic challenges along the route.
“The contractor will commence preliminary surveys immediately ahead of the construction phase,” he said.
The commissioner added that the council also approved several road and infrastructure projects across the state.
He listed them to include the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area, construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities, and the Zion Pepe–Agerige township road.
Others are Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside Road, selected roads in Igboegunrin town, Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road and Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road.
According to him, access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, as well as selected roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Areas, also received approval.
He added that the council also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road and Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, as well as the rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology.
Ajibefun said the decision was informed by the growing demand for university education in the state.
“The institution will focus on practical training and modern academic standards aimed at producing globally competitive graduates,” he said.
In the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the council approved the procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the council approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Ode-Irele in Irele Local Government.
Takuro expressed confidence that the appointment would strengthen traditional leadership and promote peace and stability in the community.
