Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun-Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who described the flyover as a strategic intervention to tackle persistent traffic congestion and boost investment and economic growth, said it would run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, as part of the administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.
Flagging off the project, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the intervention was designed to provide a modern transport solution that would improve mobility, safety and the movement of people and goods along one of Akure’s busiest corridors.
‘This is a long-awaited moment and we are proud of the singular honour and privilege to formally flag-off the construction of the Flyover Bridge along the Oyemekun Oba Adesida Road Corridor, from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, Akure, covering 2.38 kilometres,’ he said.
The governor said the project followed careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement.
He described the Oyemekun-Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery linking markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.
‘It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents,’ the governor added.
He said the congestion had affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised residents’ safety and well-being.
According to him, the flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while reducing travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution caused by prolonged traffic delays.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive, investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.
‘When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then, we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,’ he said.
The governor charged the contractor to execute the project according to the approved design, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity.
He also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor during construction.
He said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and the deployment of public resources to projects with clear and measurable benefits.
The governor said the flyover formed part of efforts to modernise Akure and provide infrastructure capable of supporting enterprise, productivity and inclusive economic development.
Faysal Harb, the Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, handling the project said the company had been entrusted with executing the project and would not disappoint.
Harb recalled his involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about 20 years ago, noting that the project marked the second time the company would undertake a major project in Ondo State.
He assured the governor that the project would be completed on schedule and according to specifications, promising to minimise disruption to the host community.