Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to complete inherited roads and projects including the ones initiated by his administration.

Mr Aiyedatiwa spoke on Wednesday at the flagged-off dualisation ceremony of the Akure-Idanre road held in Akure, the state capital. 

He said that good roads were crucial to the development and growth of any viable economy, stating that the state should not be left out in infrastructure that would boost its trade and investment. 

According to the governor, the Akure/Idanre road dualisation project, which had been a nightmare for commuters, is one of the campaign promises of his government. 

He linked the initiative to his administration’s seven-point development agenda, known as “Our Ease,” noting that the Akure-Idanre road was a critical economic artery long plagued by congestion, delays, and safety hazards due to its outdated single carriageway.

“For what has seemed like an eternity, this road has been a source of daily frustration for commuters and a bottleneck for the movement of agricultural produce from Idanre to Akure’s markets. Today, we begin to change that story,” the governor said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also emphasised that the road would boost tourism to the iconic Idanre Hills and promote economic growth through increased connectivity, trade, job creation, and ease of movement.

He revealed that the features of the road would include dual carriageways with a width of 9.3 meters, 1.5-meter walkways on each side, a three-meter utility bay, line drains and medians, and traffic lights at critical intersections. 

Describing the project as a gateway to unlocking the vast potential of the state, he assured residents that it would be completed to the highest standards and within schedule. 

“This project stands as a powerful testimony to the resolve of our administration to build an Ondo State where opportunities are not just promised but accessible, a place where every citizen can thrive in an environment of progress and shared prosperity,” he added. 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said that the governor had been prioritising critical infrastructure projects across the state.

Mr Olawoye said commencement of the Akure/Idanre road project showed Mr Aiyedatiwa’s clear focus on delivering impactful developments that would benefit the people of the state and future generations.  

He added, “The dualisation of the Akure-Idanre road is a strategic move to ease transportation, enhance safety, and stimulate economic growth.” 

Speaking, Managing Director of Roosco Construction Ltd, Marcel Alrouss, whose company is handling the project, explained that the project involves the expansion of the existing road into a dual carriageway, complete with modern drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and improved safety features. 

Mr Alrouss assured that the construction would adhere to the highest engineering standards and deliver the project within the stipulated time frame.

Aso, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, commended Mr Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise to dualise the road, noting that it  demonstrated his commitment to the development of the state capital. 

Peoples Gazette reports that the Akure Idanre road projects marked the commencement of Phase 1 of the project — a 10-kilometre stretch from Cashhold Junction to KM10 on the Akure-Idanre corridor. 

The project will feature modern traffic systems and solar-powered streetlights and is designed to accommodate heavy traffic with its robust pavement structure and 28-metre-wide carriageway.