Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has launched the construction of the Akure–Imafon Road, reaffirming his administration’s deep commitment to infrastructure renewal and service delivery across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the NNPC–Imafon Junction yesterday, Aiyedatiwa characterized the project as a strategic move to address the long-held aspirations of the area’s residents.
He stated that the event marked a key milestone in fulfilling the promises made during his campaign and inauguration.
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The governor commended the community’s traditional and spiritual leaders, youth, and landlords for their efforts and resilience in maintaining the road network over the years through self-help interventions.
“Your patience and perseverance have finally paid off. The government has taken over that burden and your loyalty and sacrifice have not gone unrewarded,” Aiyedatiwa announced.
He reiterated his administration’s ambitious goal to reduce the state’s infrastructure gap by more than half before the end of his tenure.
He expressed confidence that this target would be surpassed given the current development momentum, which complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that infrastructural expansion and human capital development are central pillars of his “OUR EASE” policy thrust, highlighting that good road networks are crucial for facilitating the free flow of goods, services, and ideas, which are the lifeblood of a modern economy.
He disclosed that the State Executive Council recently approved the rehabilitation and construction of 101 kilometres of new roads across the state’s three senatorial districts to improve vehicular movement and enhance the living standards of the populace.
Addressing the residents of Akure North, particularly those from Igbatoro, Ala, and Imafon, the governor appealed for their cooperation to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project before the dry season concludes, assuring them that adjoining inner roads would also receive government attention.
Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa assured the public that his administration is committed to completing all inherited projects across the state, specifically stressing that work would soon resume on the ongoing Ijoka dual carriageway construction.
He pledged that no project would be abandoned, urging continuous patience and understanding from residents.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, detailed that the Akure–Imafon Road construction covers six kilometres with an average width of $10.3 metres and includes various hydraulic and structural components.
He also mentioned that an additional $5.3 kilometres of road, with an average width of $60 metres, had been awarded from Investment Structure to ShortRite Roundabout leading to the Federal Secretariat.
The Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu Adegbehingbe, expressed profound gratitude, describing the project as a “symbol of hope, benevolence, and connection, a lifeline that will open up our community, improve trade and bring social and economic growth.”
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He recalled the governor’s promise to fix the road during a late-night visit last year, celebrating the swift action taken.
The event saw the presence of key government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, and the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, among others.
