Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure, describing the project as a strategic intervention to ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic growth.

The flyover, which will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omieja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station in Alagbaka, is part of the state government’s urban renewal and infrastructure development programme.Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Aiyedatiwa said the project would provide a modern transportation solution to improve mobility, enhance road safety and facilitate the movement of people and goods along one of the city’s busiest corridors.

According to him, the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis serves as a major commercial, administrative and social artery, connecting markets, financial institutions, schools, religious centres and densely populated residential communities.

He said the increasing population and rising vehicular traffic along the corridor had resulted in persistent congestion, increased travel time and heightened risks of road accidents.“This is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain,” the governor said.Aiyedatiwa said 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.

He added that the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly state capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.

The governor urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the approved design, specifications and completion schedule, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and professionalism.

He also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor throughout the construction period.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the project became necessary because the road corridor was operating about 50 per cent above its design capacity.Olawoye said the government considered several options for addressing the congestion before deciding that a flyover was the most practical solution.

He explained that the Ojaoba–Oba Adesida Road was originally constructed as a major township road around 1974 and converted to a dual carriageway in 1978.

It was later expanded from 7.3 metres to 9.3 metres in 2001 under the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.According to him, no major construction had been undertaken along the corridor since then, despite significant growth in population and traffic.

He said the flyover option would also reduce the need for extensive demolition of properties along the corridor.Olawoye explained that the structure would be approximately 2.4 kilometres long, with a 320-metre starting ramp and a 200-metre ending ramp at Adegbola and Omieja A Division, respectively, giving a combined ramp length of about 520 metres.

He listed several completed road projects in Akure under the Aiyedatiwa administration, including Ajegunle Road, Odopetun–Oke Padi–Lao Road, Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odi Olowo Road, Bye-pass–Gbogi Street, UBA Road–The Stream in Alagbaka, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Road, Ayeloro Road, Akosile Road, Maronu Road and Plaza Road.Other completed projects, he said, include Bishop Court–Civil Service Commission Road, Site–Government House–CBN Road, Igoba Road, selected roads in Ajipowo and Afunbiowo estates, and Alagbaka Extension–SIB Road.Olawoye also highlighted ongoing road projects across the state, including the 15.5-kilometre Imafon–Danjuma Road, 10-kilometre Oke Aro–Idanre dual carriageway and 7.7-kilometre Akure–Ijare Road.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said residents of Akure remained appreciative of the governor’s infrastructure projects across the city and the state.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended the governor for initiating the flyover and reconstruction of adjoining roads, saying the projects would improve movement and address traffic challenges along major corridors.Similarly, the Owa Araromi Omoladan, Oba Jayeoba Bamidele Alabi, praised the governor for his infrastructure development efforts.

The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, assured the governor that the company would deliver the project according to specifications and within the agreed timeframe.

Harb, who recalled the company’s involvement in the expansion of Ilesha Garage Road about two decades ago, said the Akure project would be the second major project undertaken by the company in Ondo State.

He promised to minimise disruption to residents and businesses during construction.“We work day and night to make sure we deliver this project,” he said.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service Chief Olusegun Odusanya; State APC Chairman Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly; LCDA chairmen; traditional rulers; religious leaders; political appointees; permanent secretaries and other dignitaries.