- Owena Dam rehabilitation secures counterpart funding
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, following traffic studies which identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the state’s major traffic bottlenecks.
The approval was part of key resolutions taken at the council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Explaining the project, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said findings showed persistent congestion along the route, leading to the recommendation of a flyover as the most effective solution.
The flyover bridge, along Oba Adesida road, will stretch from Adegbola Junction to St Mattias/NNPC filling station at Alagbaka.
He added that following EXCO’s approval, the contractor would commence preliminary surveys ahead of construction.
The council further approved a series of infrastructure projects across the state, including the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other approvals include the construction of a concrete walkway in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside and selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.
The EXCO also approved the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, and selected roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
The council further approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, and rehabilitation of Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
The council also approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was informed by growing demand for university education in the state.
He described RUGIPO as the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo State, adding that the proposed university would operate eight faculties in agriculture, science, technology and engineering.
Ajibefun said the institution would focus on practical training and modern academic standards, aimed at producing graduates capable of competing globally.
In the health sector, the council approved the procurement of radiodiagnostic and specialised equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound machines, mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, static and mobile digital X-ray machines, 4D ultrasound systems, as well as theatre, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and ophthalmology equipment.
He said the intervention would enhance healthcare delivery and medical training in the state.
The council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project, which is about 40 per cent completed, would improve potable water supply to Akure and neighbouring local government areas.
He added that the project is being supported by development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and French Development Bank, and would expand access to clean water, improve sanitation and reduce waterborne diseases.
The EXCO also approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the approval followed sustained demands from the community for the installation of a traditional ruler.
He expressed confidence that the appointment would strengthen traditional leadership and promote stability in the area.
