Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has repaired the failed portion on the Akure-Owena-Ondo Road which has been worsened by the rainfall.

The road is another Federal Government road to be fixed by the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in fulfillment of his administration policy of fixing roads in the state for the use of the people.

Despite the Federal Government policy of non-refund for state fixing Federal government roads and the dwindling economic situation in the state, Governor Akeredolu has continued to priotize the wellbeing of the people of the people by fixing roads across the state irrespective of its ownership.

The Akure-Owena-Ondo Road, though a federal government road, will help the people especially traders who ply and trade at the popular Owena market and ease traffic situation in the axis.

The people of the state have continued to hail the commitment of the Governor to fixing roads across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The work done on the road is a total departure from the usual earthwork that can deteriorate the state of the road during rainy seasons as quality work is being done by the direct Labour of the state ministry of works and infrastructure.

The work which started few days ago has been covered in record time.

In furtherance of his untiring drive to ensure that the Akure Airport attain its status as an international cargo Airport and to successfully drive the state’s economy, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was, today Tuesday, March 24, 2020, conducted round the various ongoing projects within the airport.

The various ongoing projects include a new Control Tower with Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is meant to enhance landing of aircraft irrespective of the weather conditions.

According to the Airport Airspace Manager, Engineer Adebayo Ogunleye, who conducted the Governor round the facility, the airport is being kitted with a Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range, DVOR, which is a navigation aid essential to the gathering of required information for identifying, to and fro movements and bearing.

Engineer Ogunleye added that by the time the projects, which are at varying degrees of completion, are commissioned for use, the envisioned capacity of the airport of being an international cargo airport would be realised with ease.

Also speaking, the Airport Manager, Mrs Joke Olatunji appreciated the governor for attracting large patronage to the Akure Airport which have scaled up its volume of activities

While appreciating the proposed digging of trenches round the airport, she called for adequate lighting and security cover for all installations at the airport.

In his response, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu expressed happiness that the decision of his administration to draw attentions to the Akure Airport by building routes and making them profitable for airline operators have turned out to be a wise decision.
He recalled that at the inception of his administration, the Akure Airport was virtually in the dark with little or no activity to justify its existence.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said through concerted efforts, Airpeace was encouraged to come up with the Lagos -Akure route, while Overland reactivated its Abuja-Akure route.

“Though we were subsidising the Lagos-Akure route for Airpeace; today we longer do that because the route is now commercially viable. In fact Airpeace is also now on Akure-Abuja route. All these are to the advantage of our people, visitors and investors to the state”, the governor said.

Governor Akeredolu assured that the degree of collaboration of his administration with all authorities and stakeholders in the aviation industry in Nigeria will not diminish in view of the desire to ensure that the Akure Airport achieves its true status of an International Cargo Airport.

On securing the airport, the governor promised to enlist the interest of the Police, while the already stoned-based roads to the glide scope of the DVRO would be alsphated by the State Ministry of Works.

While appreciating the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA and particularly its Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, for reshaping the fortune of the Akure Airport, Governor Akeredolu said he would endeavour to follow up on the completion of the Airport Terminal Building.

In furtherance of his untiring drive to ensure that the Akure Airport attain its status as an international cargo Airport and to successfully drive the state’s economy, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was, today Tuesday, March 24, 2020, conducted round the various ongoing projects within the airport.

The various ongoing projects include a new Control Tower with Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is meant to enhance landing of aircraft irrespective of the weather conditions.

According to the Airport Airspace Manager, Engineer Adebayo Ogunleye, who conducted the Governor round the facility, the airport is being kitted with a Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range, DVOR, which is a navigation aid essential to the gathering of required information for identifying, to and fro movements and bearing.

Engineer Ogunleye added that by the time the projects, which are at varying degrees of completion, are commissioned for use, the envisioned capacity of the airport of being an international cargo airport would be realised with ease.

Also speaking, the Airport Manager, Mrs Joke Olatunji appreciated the governor for attracting large patronage to the Akure Airport which have scaled up its volume of activities

While appreciating the proposed digging of trenches round the airport, she called for adequate lighting and security cover for all installations at the airport.

In his response, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu expressed happiness that the decision of his administration to draw attentions to the Akure Airport by building routes and making them profitable for airline operators have turned out to be a wise decision.
He recalled that at the inception of his administration, the Akure Airport was virtually in the dark with little or no activity to justify its existence.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said through concerted efforts, Airpeace was encouraged to come up with the Lagos -Akure route, while Overland reactivated its Abuja-Akure route.

“Though we were subsidising the Lagos-Akure route for Airpeace; today we longer do that because the route is now commercially viable. In fact Airpeace is also now on Akure-Abuja route. All these are to the advantage of our people, visitors and investors to the state”, the governor said.

Governor Akeredolu assured that the degree of collaboration of his administration with all authorities and stakeholders in the aviation industry in Nigeria will not diminish in view of the desire to ensure that the Akure Airport achieves its true status of an International Cargo Airport.

On securing the airport, the governor promised to enlist the interest of the Police, while the already stoned-based roads to the glide scope of the DVRO would be alsphated by the State Ministry of Works.

While appreciating the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA and particularly its Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, for reshaping the fortune of the Akure Airport, Governor Akeredolu said he would endeavour to follow up on the completion of the Airport Terminal Building

In furtherance of his untiring drive to ensure that the Akure Airport attain its status as an international cargo Airport and to successfully drive the state’s economy, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was, today Tuesday, March 24, 2020, conducted round the various ongoing projects within the airport.

The various ongoing projects include a new Control Tower with Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is meant to enhance landing of aircraft irrespective of the weather conditions.

According to the Airport Airspace Manager, Engineer Adebayo Ogunleye, who conducted the Governor round the facility, the airport is being kitted with a Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range, DVOR, which is a navigation aid essential to the gathering of required information for identifying, to and fro movements and bearing.

Engineer Ogunleye added that by the time the projects, which are at varying degrees of completion, are commissioned for use, the envisioned capacity of the airport of being an international cargo airport would be realised with ease.

Also speaking, the Airport Manager, Mrs Joke Olatunji appreciated the governor for attracting large patronage to the Akure Airport which have scaled up its volume of activities

While appreciating the proposed digging of trenches round the airport, she called for adequate lighting and security cover for all installations at the airport.

In his response, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu expressed happiness that the decision of his administration to draw attentions to the Akure Airport by building routes and making them profitable for airline operators have turned out to be a wise decision.
He recalled that at the inception of his administration, the Akure Airport was virtually in the dark with little or no activity to justify its existence.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said through concerted efforts, Airpeace was encouraged to come up with the Lagos -Akure route, while Overland reactivated its Abuja-Akure route.

“Though we were subsidising the Lagos-Akure route for Airpeace; today we longer do that because the route is now commercially viable. In fact Airpeace is also now on Akure-Abuja route. All these are to the advantage of our people, visitors and investors to the state”, the governor said.

Governor Akeredolu assured that the degree of collaboration of his administration with all authorities and stakeholders in the aviation industry in Nigeria will not diminish in view of the desire to ensure that the Akure Airport achieves its true status of an International Cargo Airport.

On securing the airport, the governor promised to enlist the interest of the Police, while the already stoned-based roads to the glide scope of the DVRO would be alsphated by the State Ministry of Works.

While appreciating the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA and particularly its Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, for reshaping the fortune of the Akure Airport, Governor Akeredolu said he would endeavour to follow up on the completion of the Airport Terminal Building.

In furtherance of his untiring drive to ensure that the Akure Airport attain its status as an international cargo Airport and to successfully drive the state’s economy, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was, today Tuesday, March 24, 2020, conducted round the various ongoing projects within the airport.

The various ongoing projects include a new Control Tower with Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is meant to enhance landing of aircraft irrespective of the weather conditions.

According to the Airport Airspace Manager, Engineer Adebayo Ogunleye, who conducted the Governor round the facility, the airport is being kitted with a Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range, DVOR, which is a navigation aid essential to the gathering of required information for identifying, to and fro movements and bearing.

Engineer Ogunleye added that by the time the projects, which are at varying degrees of completion, are commissioned for use, the envisioned capacity of the airport of being an international cargo airport would be realised with ease.

Also speaking, the Airport Manager, Mrs Joke Olatunji appreciated the governor for attracting large patronage to the Akure Airport which have scaled up its volume of activities

While appreciating the proposed digging of trenches round the airport, she called for adequate lighting and security cover for all installations at the airport.

In his response, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu expressed happiness that the decision of his administration to draw attentions to the Akure Airport by building routes and making them profitable for airline operators have turned out to be a wise decision.
He recalled that at the inception of his administration, the Akure Airport was virtually in the dark with little or no activity to justify its existence.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said through concerted efforts, Airpeace was encouraged to come up with the Lagos -Akure route, while Overland reactivated its Abuja-Akure route.

“Though we were subsidising the Lagos-Akure route for Airpeace; today we longer do that because the route is now commercially viable. In fact Airpeace is also now on Akure-Abuja route. All these are to the advantage of our people, visitors and investors to the state”, the governor said.

Governor Akeredolu assured that the degree of collaboration of his administration with all authorities and stakeholders in the aviation industry in Nigeria will not diminish in view of the desire to ensure that the Akure Airport achieves its true status of an International Cargo Airport.

On securing the airport, the governor promised to enlist the interest of the Police, while the already stoned-based roads to the glide scope of the DVRO would be alsphated by the State Ministry of Works.

While appreciating the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA and particularly its Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, for reshaping the fortune of the Akure Airport, Governor Akeredolu said he would endeavour to follow up on the completion of the Airport Terminal Building.

The State Government has started the rehabilitation and repair of the failed portions of federal roads across the state.

The exercise, which took off in Ondo on Monday, is being carried out to prevent total collapse of the road and also bring succour to motor users.

Different equipments have been deployed to the Valentino junction of the Ondo-Ife road, where the rehabilitation work began.

Drainage works have commenced, removal of unsuitable materials from the failed portions is in progress, while haulaging of  boulders to stabilise the area is also being done.

Speaking with newsmen when the management of Ministry of Works visited the scene, Works and Infrastructure Commissioner, Mr.  Saka Yusuf Ogunleye said the state government had to carryout the repairs as it had become inevitable.

“We are working here to fix this road because our people are the end users, the federal government stand not to refund money spent on its roads by state government notwithstanding. Due to the fact that this administration has a reputation for quality road infrastructure, we cannot turn a blind eye while this road go into total ruin. This is not the first time we are doing this. We did same at Owo-Ikare and Owo-Ipele roads.

The Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Works, Lands and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu said the failed portion and other potholes in Ondo would be attended to.
According to him, the rehabilitation work was delayed by the prolonged rainy season.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Lola Julianah Fagbemi, who is an indigene thanked Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN for showing love and responsiveness to Ondo peoples plight.
She said the Governor had shown himself as a statesman.

A member of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Leonard Akinribido described the rehabilitation as a thing of joy, adding that the Governor was demonstrating to the world that democracy was meant to solve peoples challenges.

Sunday Ajibola,
Head Media,
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye has described the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as an unbiased leader in the way and manner he governs the state.

Mr. Ogunleye made the assertion when the House Committee on Works paid a familiarisation visit to the Ministry on Thursday.

He explained that all the three Senatorial Districts of the state are benefitting from the government infrastructure programme.

“Massive projects are going on in Ore, Akure and Akokoland, which spread across the entire state. This is a clear demonstration of exemplary leadership. The Governor promised to serve the people and he has been faithful to that vow.”

The Commissioner commended the Committee for  supporting the Ministry, saying the success being recorded was largely due to the backing of the House, which ensure quick and smooth passage of its budget.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser on Works, Lands and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu said the construction of road projects across the state was being hampered by the elongated rainy season, adding that the works would resume now that the rains are subsiding.

He assured that all the projects in progress would be completed as promised.

Chairman of the House Committee, Dr. Adeyemi Olayemi and members all commended the Governor for the projects being undertaken at Ore, Ikare and other parts of the state.
They said the governors performance in the last two and a half years make them proud members of the APC.
The lawmakers however appealed to the ministry to work on rural farm roads.

Barely a week after promising to fix abandoned and deplorable federal roads, the state government has started rehabilitation work on the failed portion of the Owo/Ilesa at Araromi junction, Akure.

Ministry of Works have mobilised to the site. The blocked/ silted drainage has been desilted for free flow of water through the drainage. This development means spillover water across the road will no longer occur.
Appropriate equipments have been used to evacuate the soggy surface on the road to enhance smooth running on the road.
Furthermore, boulders have been deposited to stabilize the portion of the road.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye told newsmen on the site that the road is going to be put in usable form within the next few days.

“For the umpteenth time, i have to say Governor Akeredolu was voted for to improve this state in all ramifications, . Our people are the ones plying this road. It will be improper to let it get damaged because it is a federal road. If we fold our hands they will continue to experience untold hardship. That is not going to be allowed to happen.We are looking and praying for fair weather to enable us fix it fast and appropriately.

He added that the state government wanted the road rehabilitated in a very short time to prevent trucks carrying heavy goods / loads that have chosen the Airport/Obaile road as alternative from damaging the road in no time.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ogunleye says the road linking Bolorunduro to the expressway would be repaired as soon as possible.

Speaking after visiting the affected road, he asserted that the hardship being experienced by the people over the almost impassable failed portion of the road deserves quick government intervention.

“People of this community communicated the Ministry about their plight. We are here to see things for ourselves. This is an eyesore. Being a listening and responsive government this road will be in shape within a few days.”

The Olu of Bolorunduro, Oba Babatunde Olasoji thanked Governor Akeredolu for extending his infrastructural development agenda to the town, saying they have been provided with boreholes and good schools.

Among those who accompanied the Commissioner on the working visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Taiwo Otun, directors and engineers.

Also in attendance were the Caretaker Chairman, Akure North, Mr. Ogbesetore Bankole and top officials of the council.

Management of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has expressed her satisfaction  at the quality of work and pace of progress on the Ore Interchange/flyover road project.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye  and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Lands and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu express their opinions during  an inspection visit to the project site.

Mr. Ogunleye said the level of work done so far on the project possessed all the attributes for which the government of Governor Akeredolu has come to be known by. He added that every infrastructural project of this government is of the good / required quality one  can find anywhere and people are attesting to this.

“This gigantic unique project is in tune with our antecedents. The work is going on as planned. We are impressed with what the contractors are doing and the quality being put in place.

All hands are on deck to meet the date Governor Akeredolu promised the good people of Ondo State to deliver the project. And the contractors as we can see are working towards that.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Lands and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu added that  he was happy with the job done, he went further to say that  the team was in Ore to see and confirm the stage the job has gotten to. He also said “The 15 meteres on both sides of the bridge has been launched successfully, remaining the 30 meters beam. And this will commence soon.

The Consultant lead Engineer Remi Osiberu and the Contractor’s representative Mr Dani Mansour assured that they would finish and deliver the job before the year runs out.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Taiwo Otun was part of the team that visited the project site.

Sunday Ajibola,

Head Media,

Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye has assured residents of the State that the government of Governor Akeredolu will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to solve road infrastructure challenges confronting the people.

Mr. Ogunleye gave assurance when he inspected some of the ongoing projects in Akure metropolis.

The Commissioner said the government’s emphasis on road construction was deliberate as the sector serves all and sundry from the rich to the poor.

“Quality roads make life meaningful for all road users from vehicle owners to motorcyclists and pedestrians. They also remove the stress being experienced when conveyed through bad roads.”

Some of the areas inspected are the Oba Osupa road/Alafiatayo axis, Oda Dualization project and Ijoka axis, where construction works are in progress.

At Oba Osupa road, the Commissioner inspected the cross culvert under construction in front of the state hospital and the extent at which demolition of properties that are involved to evaluate for compensation to the owners.

At Ijoka road, Mr. Ogunleye inspected where the marking for removal of the shanties is in progress. He directed the contractor handling the road to fix a collapsed bridge, which is supposed to serve as an alternative route in the course of constructing the road.

At Oda road, the Commissioner resolved the main issue of total blockage of the road, which the road users had complained about. He directed the contractor to open up part of it for vehicular movement at peak periods for the road users.

He made it known to the public that two alternative routes have been provided at Appeal Court axis and SUBEB through Sijuade for the populace.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says the Ore fly over will be ready this year, just as he maintained that, his administration is committed to addressing infrastructural deficit across the state.

He spoke while receiving traditional rulers from Ikale area of Ondo state in his office in Akure, the state capital

Governor Akeredolu said the flyover, first in Ondo state was aimed at ameliorating gridlock and frequent accidents in the axis

Akeredolu decried paucity of fund but emphasized that the State government would strike the balance to pay workers as and when due and end infrastructural deficit across the state

The governor who also promised to revive Okitipupa oil palm and accord priority to reaforestation added that Ore power plant would soon be completed to create jobs for the citizens

The monarchs led by the Abodi of Ikaleland, Oba George Faduyile had earlier lauded the governor for the tremendous progress noticed across the state and urged him never to discontinue regular payment of workers’ salaries as well as retirees’ pension allowances.

The Ondo State Executive Council on Monday reawarded the 28.5 km Aboto / Atijere road in Ilaje Local Government Area of the State for a contract sum of N8billion.

The project was inherited from the immediate past administration which had awarded the contract for the sum of N12 Billion on a contractor/client financing arrangement.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday evening, Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Works and Infrastructure, Engr Aminu Raimi said the state government after reappraisal of the project, saved N4 Billion by re-awarding it for N8billion.

He said: “Part of the issues considered at the Exco meeting is a project inherited from the previous administration. Before the present administration came on board , the Aboto / Atijere road was awarded for N12bbillions as a contractor / Client financed project.

“The immediate past administration awarded the contract to Zhi Jiang Construction Limited in October 2016, but this administration reappraised and revalued the project and converted it to client financing which saved the state of N4 Billion after the contract sum was brought down to N8 Billion.

”This government was also magnanimous enough by re-awarding it to Zhi Jiang Construction Limited, the same contractor that was the engaged by the previous administration to continue with the job but when the government realized that the contractor refused to mobilize to site , the second bidder, LEE Fakino Nigeria Limited , was invited and went through the tender board where it got the contract.

“So, the second bidder was considered and and the memo was sent to council which has now been approved. The contractor will mobilize to site as soon as the weather is clear and as usual, payment will be made on milestone achieved .

Raimi also disclosed that some school projects in  Ikorigho, Ugbo in Ilaje local government area of the State which were to be constructed as model schools would now be constructed as classroom blocks with a concrete walkway so as to allow the pupils access to the schools. The school projects were also awarded by the last administration.

The people of Ore in Odigbo Local Government Council Area of Ondo State have started witnessing an upsurge in economic activities as a result of the attention to infrastructural development of the town by the present administration in the state.

Ore is the gateway that connects Lagos, the nation’s economic nerve centre with both the Eastern and Southern parts of Nigeria on a direct stretch.
The historical town also provides an adjourning corridor to the Northern part to the country.

The people, who spoke with journalists on Saturday said new investors are responding to the massive infrastructural interventions in the town, initiated by the Akeredolu administration.

While saying that the responses of  investors to government deliberate infrastructural upgrade of a town are usually spontaneous, the people said the current rise in  economic activities in Ore are exciting to them.

An entrepreneur, Mr Olawoyin Owolabi, who has lived in Ore for over four decades, said the commitment of the present administration in Ondo State has scaled up unprecedented socio-economic activities in the town.

For Prince Temidayo Akinbobola, who was born in Ore and had lived in the town for over thirty years, the ongoing construction of the first overhead bridge in Ondo State in Ore by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi administration has begun to impact on the security and  socio-economic lives of the people.

He said the people are happy that Governor Akeredolu is fulfilling his electoral campaign promises to the people, and believed that the vision of the State Government to turn Ore to a Megacity would soon be realised.

A commercial motorcyclist, Mr Abiodun Babafemi, said the ongoing Ore Interchange would in no small way guarantee the security of lives of all motorcycle riders in the town.

Also, the Chairman of Isero Branch of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Mr Suleiman Murufu, said the people are already witnessing a turnaround in the economic activities of the town following the ongoing construction of the Ore Bridge.

Despite incessant rainfall slowing down the pace of work at the bridge construction site,  23 of the 30 Beams needed are ready, while other casting and earth fillings were ongoing.

Traditional rulers of Akoko North West Local Government Area on Friday said they would mobilise their subjects support for the government of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The traditional rulers spoke at OkeAgbe, the headquarters of the council during a meeting with the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye.

The Obas were responding to Mr. Ogunleyes disclosure that work had
commenced on the OkeAgbe-Irun-Afin-Ese-Ogbagi 29 kilometer road.

Some of the royal fathers, who spoke were the the Owa of Ogbagi, Zaki of Arigidi, Eleriti of Eriti and Olubaramu of Ibaramu, thanked Governor Akeredolu for fulfilling the promise he made few months ago to extend his road infrastructure programme to the area.

According to them, decision of the government to construct the road would make it easier for them to convince their subjects to support the government.

“This road project, which has been long overdue, is an evidence that we too are important being beneficiaries of the governments road transformation
agenda. This project will form a basis as a cogent reason for our people to support the government.”

Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye had earlier informed the traditional rulers and the people of the local government that Gov Akeredolu appreciated their support, stressing Mr. Governor is a man, whose words were his bond, having
promised to construct the road.

“We are here to witness the commencement of the 29 kilometer road.
Akoko is a strategic part of the state, which deserve good roads as other areas. Our road infrastructure programme covers the entire state. No area will be left untouched.”

He maintained that the road infrastructure programme was one of the fruits of the change they voted for in APC in 2016.

“Akoko people voted to have a change of direction in 2016. All we are doing as a government is fulfilling that promise. The roads in our were in deplorable state; now we are rehabilitating and reconstructing
them to meet global standard. You are experiencing change.”

The Works Commissioner explained that roads within the towns are also going to be made motorable. “Our road construction is not going to be limited to highways alone. Township roads will also be fixed, as the
department handling such matters will take care of failed portions and
potholes within the towns”

In his contribution, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus implored the people to support the government in its drive to improve Akokoland.

Also, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engineer, Taiwo Otun informed that the 29 kilometer project was phase 1 of a 42 kilometer road, covering the entire area.

The Permanent Secretary added that it was not easy for the state government to construct federal roads, adding that the bottlenecks in such venture was hampering the road infrastructure programme of the state government.

After the meeting, the entire gathering moved to the project site to witness the commencement of work in the area.

Graders were seen clearing the overgrown weeds, which had spread over where gutters were supposed to be.

The road project is expected to be completed in one year.

The meeting and inspection were witnessed by politicians, such as
appointees, elected representatives of the people, religious leaders and members of the APC.

In fulfilment of the  commitment of his administration to further develop the state and open up the road network, Ondo State Governor,  Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the 8.0km Akure-Oda Dual Carriageway.

The governor said the construction of the road is another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of his administration to the change mantra of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), designed to ensure the general welfare of the people and bring the benefits of good governance to their doorsteps in every nook and cranny of the State.

Governor Akeredolu said his administration was not unaware of the enormous discomfort being experienced by the people as they traverse through the road, especially the residents of Oda-town, including the estates situated within the road corridor.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who addressed the mammoth crowd at the flag off ceremony, said his administration is  delivering a new asset, a new lifestyle and a new era of property appreciation and  bequeathing an enduring legacy to the incoming generation.

He said: “But it does not end here, it is only a precursor to an unending positive multiplier effects on the economy and social life of the people.

“While the road is being constructed, we will have more than a sizeable number of our people working and earning their living on a daily basis, and by the time you factor in those who supply construction materials, you can imagine the multiplier effect of this project and of course, the advantages it portends to the people, such as decrease in travel time, increase in the lifespan of vehicles, increased interconnectivity with other roads, such as the Oba Osupa-Hospital-Ijoka Road via Ijigba Road.”

While explaining the various features of the road, the Governor informed that, “This 8.0km road, when completed, would consist of 2.7km dual carriageway and 5.3km single carriageway and would have standard facilities such as 1.5m walkway on both sides, 1m width median fitted with street light, 600mm x 750mm drains, 200mm lateritic sub-base course, 200mm stone base course, 50mm asphaltic binder course, 40mm asphaltic wearing course, among others. ”

Akeredolu said his administration will not take its foot off the pedal until all communities in the state are transformed .

He said several roads spread across the state are under construction, while some have been completed by his administration as part of its efforts to improve the living condition of the people.

“As I speak to you, we are working on the following strategic and qualitative projects among others, at different levels of completion: Reconstruction of ‘A’ Division – Ijoka Road to a dual carriageway,  Reconstruction of Ikare Township Road to a dual carriageway, Reconstruction of the Road from Emure-AUD and from the Ministry of Works – Iyere Junction in Owo to a dual carriageway

“Construction of Fly-Over across Lagos-Benin Expressway, Construction of Gaga Community Road in Akure, Rehabilitation of Ibuji-Igbara-Oke Road, Construction of Okitipupa-Igbokoda Bypass Road,  Construction of Sabomi Township Roads,  Construction of Ireakari II-Seebi-Ogun Ojobo/Odanikin- Irese Road Junction Akure,” Governor Akeredolu said.

He appreciated the good people of the state for their co-operation and unwavering solidarity  in the last two and half years.

Arakunrin Akeredolu assured the people that he is irrevocably committed to the completion of all the ongoing projects in the state,  in spite of the dwindling resources.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
15th August, 2019

NOBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, is unarguably  an untiring Nigerian whose understanding and views on social and political issues in the country cannot be ignored by lovers of good government. Even the dictatorial military government that trampled upon the rights of Nigerians for decades and denied them the benefit of electing their leaders in a peaceful manner for years before democracy returned to Nigeria about 20 years ago could not but remember Soyinka as a fearless individual who has chosen to live his life to fight injustice and oppression for the purpose of enhancing the advancement of humanity.

The playwright, besides being reputed as a man who always speaks the truth no matter whose ox is gored, also carefully chooses his company. So, the literary giant’s recent visit to Ondo  State was not accidental in any form. In fact, the visit cannot but be likened to the proverbial killing of two birds with a stone.

The first point of call when Prof. Soyinka visited Ondo State for the D O Fagunwa Study Group Second International Conference holding at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, was Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s office, where both men pondered on relevant issues concerning the development of the Sunshine State and the country in general.

The purpose of the 2019 edition of the D.O Faguwa Study Group’s conference is to celebrate Wole Soyinka’s 85th birthday, considering his long years of unwavering fight, support and commitment to the course of social justice through literature writing and other legitimate means. The conference was themed: “Wole Soyinka, D.O Fagunwa and the Yoruba Artistic Heritage.”At the venue of the conference,  Soyinka’s virtues as a brave icon, role model and giant pace setter, among others, were celebrated.

Leading the pack of dignitaries to pour the eccommium on the literary giant were Prof. Ropo Sekooni, Jimmy Solanke and cinematographer, Tunde Kilani, among others. They all hailed Soyinka as a true Nigerian whose views on issues would always arouse the attention of discerning minds. Soyinka, who no doubt appreciated the popular dictum, seeing is believing, chose to visit a few of Governor Akeredolu’s developmental project sites. He went beyond relying on the various reports on the governor’s performance to visit a few of the project sites where he commended the people of the Sunshine State for making the right choice in electing Akeredolu as their governor. Without mincing words, Soyinka expressed gratitude to the current Ondo State government for celebrating his 85th birthday and for the completion of the ‘Dome’ which was meant to celebrate art and culture.

He also hailed  Akeredolu’s infrastructural strides in Ondo State. The literary giant’s accolade stemmed from the indubitable fact that Akeredolu’s financial management ingenuity reflected in the prudent allocation of the scare public resources to promote the total wellbeing of the people of the. state. The Nobel laureate, who was personally driven and conducted round a few of the project sites in Akure, the state capital, by Governor Akeredolu, revealed that he had been on constant visits to the state in the course of his literary work and observed that the  governor had changed the face of the Sunshine State in spite of the dwindling monthly allocation from Abuja.

Soyinka, with the governor and members of the state executive ouncil, saw and inspected the ‘A’Division/NEPA and the ongoing dualisation of NEPA/Oluwatuyi Roundabout Road projects.  Marveled by the progress of the road projects,  Soyinka said: “The fact shows the light.” He  explained that it took him some time to recognise the A’Division/NEPA and NEPA/Olukayode ongoing dualisation project because of the serious infrastructural transformation that is going on in the area.  Another visit to the workshop where about 284 dead and decayed vehicles were being reconditioned to enhance productivity in the public service elicited a profound commentary from Soyinka. Describing the workshop as a laboratory, where things hitherto considered impossible are now being made possible, Soyinka could not hide his excitement following his appreciation of the fact that the new initiative exposed artisans from Ondo State to new technology and modern ways of doing things.  In short, Professor Soyinka hailed Governor Akeredolu for championing the cost-saving and strategic leadership initiative.

The Nobel Laureate, regarded as an advocate of good governance and transparent leadership, spared a thought for the security challenges confronting the South-West. He urged declaration of state of emergency to tackle the manece in the region. Soyinka said: “As regards the insecurity in the South West, there is an emergency. There should be a declaration of security emergency through out the land and measures taken accordingly. There are many directions of security lapses, you know it here, especially in Ondo State, it is a calamity through out the whole nation. There is an emergency.” The playwright asked the governors, especially those in the South West geo-political zone, to work assiduously toward tackling the security menace.

Akeredolu did not hide his love for the novelist’s contribution to development of knowledge. Besides describing him as a first class academic, playwright, poet, novelist and great human condition activist, the governor perceived Soyinka’s life as a lesson for public office holders because he had elevated the art of partisan living as the biggest ideal of social reclamation.

Falodi is the Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu

Under the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration Ondo state has become one of the states that can boast of good road network infrastructure across the 18 local government areas of the state.

This great unbeatable achievement of Governor Akeredolu has attracted tourists from outside the state as well as both local and international investors to the state.

Some Commissioners and special advisers in company of the commissioner for works and infrastructure,  Hon Saka Yusuf Ogunleye inspected some ongoing roads construction projects in Ondo state.

They inspected Ifon/Ipele road  project, Owo/Ikare Road  project, Ikare Township Road  project, Ikaramu/ Akunnun road  project among others.

The commissioner while addressing newsmen said the works of Governor Akeredolu especially in road construction is next to none.

He said due to the Governor’s massive achievement in the area of road projects  across the state, the people of ondo state will remain grateful to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu even in years to come.

He said only a Governor with the people at heart  will embark on a project meant for the federal government.

Community Leaders from Mahin in Ilaje Local Government area Area of Ondo State, on Tuesday commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over his commitment to the establishment of a deep sea port and an inland port in the state.

The Community leaders, led by Pastor Oyekan Arije, appreciated the vision and mission of the governor in the area of the location of the deep sea port.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Akeredolu at the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure, Pastor Arije said the community was aware that the government has committed so much money on the feasibility report of the deep sea port.

According to him, It was the Governor’s efforts that made the NPA boss to say she prefers Ondo to Badagry deep sea port.

Similarly, the Community leaders appreciated the Governor for his efforts to develop the Alape Inland Port, adding that both the deep sea port and the inland port will bring accelatrated development to the state.

“One thing we know is that, the port will help generate so much employment in this state. A similar one we have seen,  we understand, has about 47 staff. We know that apart from the deep sea port, the inland port will put an end to the issue of unemployment in the state.” He said.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu appreciated the community leaders for commending the efforts of his administration.

He said “These are things that come with good governance. At this stage, what’s important to us is the Port declaration. If we have port declaration today and work start tomorrow,  I will be so fulfilled because its something that’s so important to me.

“We have the draft that they need. Like you said, we know how much we have paid for the study but we are committed to it. By the grace of God, we will have the port declared very soon. It’s not a pipe dream but a dream that will be realized very soon. ”

The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Taiwo Otun has reiterated the determination of the ministry not to compromise on standard in the quality of roads being constructed in the state.

Otun stated this while leading a team of engineers to inspect some ongoing projects in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.

Otun said although the contractors were up to the task of building good roads, the need for the engineers in the ministry to inspect the quality of job done is essential.

According to him, all the roads were designed by competent engineers before being awarded to the contractors, it behoved the ministry as the agent of government to ensure that there was no deviation from original design.

He said the state government under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has spent a lot on provision of roads since it came on board noting that the engineers in the ministry will give all needed professional expertise to  justify the huge investment.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the ministry is not only concerned with road constructions and rehabilitations, but must also ensure that the roads are safe for users and are durable.

He observed that a situation where by newly constructed roads become death trap because of its smoothness or failed as a result of poor standard are no longer acceptable, adding that quality materials must be used and precautions, especially necessary road signs would be erected.

While welcoming the Permanent Secretary and his team to his palace, the Olugedegede of Igedegede in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state, Oba Walidu Sanni thanked the state government for remembering Akoko in roads constructions and rehabilitations.

Oba Sanni called on motorists plying the road leading to Ibaram/Ikaram and Igedegede to Ajowa to take caution while driving on the  road to avoid accident

According to him, he has written a letter informing the state government that, since the road was rehabilitated some  accidents had occurred and lives were lost as a result of over-speeding, especially along the Igedegede river, he therefore urged the state government to come with measures to arrest the ugly situations.

Reacting to the royal father’s request, the Director, Civil Engineering department, Engr. Jayeola said a letter was received in that respect and efforts were on to rescue the trend.

At Ikaram, it was a joyful moment as the Contractor handling the 8km Ikaram Akunnu road had moved to site, residents were seen expressing their appreciations to governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for opening up the long abandoned road for reconstruction .

The Managing Director of RCF, the construction company handling the road project Engr. Romeo Francis said the road will be constructed to specifications and deliver to time.

Other projects inspected by the Permanent Secretary included, Ikare phase 2 dualization, iyere Ugbe road, Ijebu Owo Community Grammar School road and the construction of channels and culverts along Ijala river in Owo.

Arrangements are in top gear to kick-start the exploration of the large deposit of Bitumen in Ondo State by an indigenous company, South West Bitumen, (SWB) which has secured a 25-Year renewable operational mining license across a land mass of about14,800 Hectares in the Southern part of the Sunshine State.

Speaking during a working visit to the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ,SAN; the Managing Director of South West Bitumen Company, Engineer Akin Odumakinde, disclosed that construction of a befitting operational base for the company would be completed within the next three months.

Engineer Odumakinde who told the governor that the SWB was ready to commence mining operation of bitumen in the state very soon having taken delivery of needed equipment and paid the agreed compensation to the families of land owners whose landed properties were within the landmass acquired for the project .

He said on completion, several persons would be employed from the host communities across Odigbo , Irele and Okitipupa Local Government Areas.

He categorically stated that a Bitumen Research and Development Centre has been established at the Federal University of Technology in Akure and its affiliate to be at the state’s University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.

At inception of his administration the governor had stated that the bitumen project was close to his heart adding that the product which the state has in large abundance would not only be harnessed but also bring about the desired change to the economic fortunes of the state.

While briefing the governor on the efforts carried out so far on the project, the Managing Director explained that the nation stands to benefit a lot from the project.

He stressed that Nigeria consumes more than 95% of bitumen processed in West Africa , noting that the state ranked 5th largest bitumen reserves in the world with the potential of producing asphalt products that can compete in the international market if explored.

Responding, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu commended the company for its efforts towards ensuring the realisation of the untapped products and also resolving with host communities in a more civil manner which will be of great benefit to them and the state at large.

Arakunrin Akeredolu acknowledged the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development and now the Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for his immeasurable interest at granting the license to the company .

He assured that the State Government would look speedily into the request to confer Deeds of Ownership of the acquired land for the project on the company through the issuance of Certificate of Ownership.

As parts of efforts to bring development to Igbara-Oke, the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, and the Council of Chiefs, received into the palace, team of investors who arrived Igbara-Oke with the desire to build Hospital of Excellence and Ultramodern Agricultural Settlements. The team from Legacy Initiative International and Nigeria-Vietnam Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The leader of the team, who is the Grand Patron of Legacy Initiative International, Chief Dr. Kenny Martins, said the team is prepared to establish Hospital of Excellence and Agricultural Processing Settlements in Igbara-Oke. He said their visit came as a result of their desire to build these two projects in a peaceful environment, and seeing the serenity of Igbara-Oke, they are convinced to have arrived at the right place.

According to him, the hospital will serve many purposes for the citizens of the country and the need to travel abroad for medical treatment will be minimised. “It will be a world class hospital that will handle most cases many people traveled abroad for”. He said the organisation has approached President Muhammadu Buhari for waivers on the equipment they will bring into the country for these projects.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Onigemo of Igbara-Oke kingdom, High Chief Sunday Aiyegbo said Igbara-Oke is a town that is opened for development of many kinds that is of human benefits. He said the town is relatively peaceful, and has 13 Satellite towns that are viable socially and economically. Chief Aiyegbo also reiterate the participation of Oba Agbede at the United Nation’s Agricultural Summit in July, 2018 and efforts of Igbara-Oke sons and daughters towards supports given to investors that has partnered Igbara-Oke in diverse areas.

In the same vein, the Publicity Secretary of Igbara-Oke Council of Chiefs, High Chief Lade Ogunsakin welcomed the team on behalf of the Council of Chiefs and assured them of necessary supports towards the actualization of these projects.

Also, the President of Nigeria-Vietnam Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oye Akinsemoyin, said their plan is to make Igbara-Oke the Food Basket of Ondo State, with the introduction of new approach in Agriculture. He said Vietnam is the largest buyer of Nigeria cashew, and the country is ready to work with Igbara-Oke. “I have also pledged my support for this project with the mandate to work with Igbara-Oke in this Agricultural revolution”, says Akinsemoyin.

In his response, the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, who expressed his joy towards these projects, said the town is prepared and fully ready to provide the landed properties for these projects. He said the major trade of the people of the town is agriculture, and he see this as another opportunity that must not pass the town by.

He therefore urged the people of Igbara-Oke to see this as another kind to development to be embraced, which will put Igbara-Oke on the global map in the areas of Health care delivery and Agriculture. He also assured the team of maximum support and cooperation,

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has disclosed his administration’s plans to construct about 60km rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP) in the state.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, Mr. Victor Olabimtan during an inspection tour of some selected roads in some communities in the state , the Governor said 20km of the roads carefully selected for immediate intervention will be constructed per senatorial district in the first phase.

He noted that the roads when completed will ease movement of farm produce to the market and disclosed that the survey and the preliminary design of the roads is completed.

He said the job will be done through a competitive bidding process in line with the World bank procurement guideline.

While saying that the step will keep the hope of the people alive while waiting for financial effectiveness of RAAMP, Akeredolu stressed that it will proffer solution to some of the problems being faced by people in the rural communities as a result of poor access to their farmland.

He said government is committed to providing accessible roads and agro- logistics hubs in rural communities in order to boost agricultural development in the state.

The roads selected for intervention in the first phase according to the Governor include Oloogunebi – Shittu camp road in Akoko North East Local Government, Ariyo – Agunbiade – Ute road in Owo Local Government, Oda Cocoa Board in Akure South Local Government.

Others are Laje – Gbagia road in Ondo West Local Government, Okeigbo – Awopeju – Igboeledumare road in Ileoluji Local Government and Kajola – Sokoto – Obadore road in Odigbo Local Government.

The Manager of Ondo State Industrial Hub, Chief Alex Ajipe has said that the hub would generate no fewer than 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities when working at its full capacity.

Alex Ajipe revealed this when he hosted the First Lady of the state, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the hub in Omotoso, Ore Expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The industrial hub, which is called Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, came into being by signing of MOU between Linyi City in Shangai Province of China and Ondo State Government.

Ajipe, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Klick Konnect Networks, said that no fewer than 15 different companies were already sited in the hub for operations which included wood processing, textile company, exploration and agriculture.

“At the moment, we have textile mill which is producing sewing thread, polyester embroidery and it will soon start to produce fabrics, lace and ankara.

“There is wood mill specialising in producing ply wood and an agro allied chemical company which is 60 per cent completed.

“Also, there is cassava ethanol plant which is only awaiting to be connected with electricity for operation.

“This will require one million tons of cassava every year and it means more money for cassava farmers.

“In fact, the company is ready to assist those cassava farmers in getting multiple harvest,” he stated.

The manager added that before the end of 2019, an automobile assembly would arrive the hub for assembling different forms of vehicle.

“Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the state governor, on behalf of the state government, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with Dolphing Company of China to have Chinese mall, where over 100 businesses have subscribed to in producing different wares.

“We are expecting an automobile assembly to arrive in some months to this time in assembling different vehicles here in this industrial hub,”he noted.

According to him, the hub will have a training centre, to be called African College of Agriculture Vocational and Technical Studies, where interested people could acquire needed manpower technology.

Responding, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she was in the hub with her team, FOWOSO, to be witnesses to industrial giant strides of the state governor.

The First Lady described the state governor as a man of purpose, of high integrity and vision who meant well for advancement of the state.

She added that Akeredolu was working to develop Ondo State, taking it to the next level.

Mrs. Akeredolu urged women to think of they could do to benefit from the industrial hub, considering that the various companies would need farm produces for their operations.

She asked FOWOSO team to inform others what they had seen and observed,saying they had seen reality and not paid advertisement or social media events.

The First Lady, therefore, lauded Mr Ajipe, for keying into the state governor’s vision and bringing it into manifestation.

The need to have more refineries in Nigeria has been a front burner issue not just to the Federal Government but private investors in the country’s oil and gas industry.

Nigeria currently has four refineries, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but the refineries have continued to operate far below the installed capacity for many years.

The country relies heavily on importation to meets its fuel needs.

The need for modular refineries, particularly in the Niger Delta area of the country, has never been so urgent and the government has been encouraging investors to look at this direction.

In view of this, the Ondo State government has partnered with Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited to build a modular refinery in the coastal area of the state.

The state, in partnership with the firm, has agreed to establish the modular refinery and unlock job opportunities for residents.

It was gathered that the state would provide only the land while the company will provide the equipment and the personnel, some of whom would be employed from the state.

To set the ball rolling, the state and the company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the multimillion-dollar project proposed to be sited in Ugbonla and Ogboti coastal towns in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the project would foster the development of the area and consequently boost the economy of the state, as it was projected to employ over 2,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

The state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, while receiving the MoU from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, who had earlier signed the document with the representatives of the company, expressed delight over the development.

Considering the number of benefits both partners would get from the project, Akeredolu pledged to give the necessary support to the project.

According to him, the door of the state is open to all genuine investors to do business with it, and his administration is committed to making the state a business hub for investors.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful. Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta States and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully from their investments in the state.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, who led the team to the governor’s office, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

According to him, the company’s core business is to refine crude oil into petroleum products.

He explained that the refinery would be designed to process both imported paraffin and Nigerian crude into petroleum products, oils and lubricants.

Adeleke said, “The proposed initial design capacity of the plant is about 30,000 barrels per stream day, which is expected to be completed within 36 months. This can be scaled to 60,000 bpsd.

“We are going into the business of refining crude oil. The government of Ondo State would provide the enabling environment and incentives to support us as we actualise this vital investment.

“Apart from the project having the capacity to refine crude oil, it will also be producing 120,000 tonnes of base oil and 25,000 tonnes of lubrication oil on a yearly basis.

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state. It would also give scholarship to indigent students in the host communities.”

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the company was set to commence the project.

Giving more details to journalists about the project, Adeleke said $500m would be spent at the initial stage, saying the money would be sourced from the development partners of the company.

He also allayed the fear of the negative environmental effects of the project, saying every necessary factor had been taken care of.

“We are still going through the due diligence process and the final figures will be made public when that is completed. The initial cost of the project is $500m, bearing in mind ancillary projects, like power and other infrastructure developments,” he added.

Apart from the government partnering the company, there was an indication that the residents of the communities would welcome the development as there was no opposition to it from any quarter.

Some of the residents of the communities even volunteered to accompany the representatives of the company to the sites where the projects would be sited.

A local chief in one of the communities, who did not want his name in print, expressed the support of the residents to the project. But he urged the management of the company to consider the indigenes of the area for employment for the project.

“We will be happy if this project is finally sited in our community; it will bring development to our community. We want to appeal to the management of the company to consider our children for employment whenever the work begins,” he urged.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Segun  Ajiboye, said the project was part of the commitment of the government in promoting economic development in the state.

He said, “It was part of our investment drive to provide employment and boost the internally generated revenue of the state; it is going to be a laudable project.”

A financial analyst, Mr Kunle Akinloye, commended the government and the company for initiating the partnership.

He said the project would largely benefit the state in the area of IGR and employment generation.

“Modular refinery is a very big project; if well implemented, the government would rake in money in terms of IGR while a lot of people would be employed and make a living from it,” he added.

Another public affairs commentator, Mr Oluwaseun Ojo, who described the project as laudable, urged the government to put into consideration the environmental impact of the project on the host communities.

He said, “We have to commend the state government for allowing this kind of project to come up in this state. However, the government and the company must prevent environmental hazards, which the refinery may cause to the health of residents of the host communities.

“The government must not look only at the benefits of the project but the environmental impact must also be considered too.”

Disturbed by the deplorable condition of the Igbara-Oke / Ibuji / Ekiti state boundary road, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reconstructed the road, which links Ondo State with the neighboring Ekiti State.

The 8.1km road, which was practically impassable before now, has been reconstructed to further open up the sunshine state and promote economic growth between the state and its neighbouring Ekiti state.

You will recall that for over eight years, residents of Igbara-oke, Ibuji and other road users suffered untold hardship following the deplorable state of the Igbara-oke-Ibuji road.

The bad condition of the road forced road users, who find it convenient and faster to travel from Ekiti state to Ondo via the road, to seek other routes.

Luck, however, smiled on the people when Governor Akeredolu visited the road sometime last year. The Governor said his administration could no longer sit and watch the citizens suffer and endangering their lives.

Few months after that promise, the road has become another promise fulfilled by the Akeredolu administration. The government has shown total commitment to the welfare and comfort of the people of the state.

The Igbara Oke/Ibuji road is wearing new look and the people now feel safe traveling between the two sister states.

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu , has laid the foundation stone of the ultra modern Clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, in the state.

Akeredolu disclosed that his administration will continue to create conducive atmosphere and enabling environment for NYSC Scheme to excel in the State.

Represented by the Head of Service, Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu, the governor said ,that his government is committed to providing basic amenities and infrastructures to the people and residents of the Sunshine State.

According to him, “Because of this, the initiative by the NYSC to have a modern Clinic has already received the blessings of the State Executive Council’.

The governor said ,”The enabling Act establishing the NYSC has given legal backing to the Scheme to mobilise and organise orientation course for corps members under acceptable living conditions and with the outstanding milestone we are witnessing today, ‘all hands must be on deck to ensure that the project is completed within record time”.

His words: “Distinguished guests, it is an incontrovertible fact that our Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu will not start what will later become an abandoned project. Statistics has shown that this government is responsible and responsive to the yearnings of the people and will do whatever is within the legal framework to give a helping hand and support a worthy cause such as this”.

He, however, promised to mobilise support for the project by ensuring that topmost career officers and some members of the political class will be encouraged to give ‘their widow’s mite to make the orientation camp a home away from home for the members of the service corps’. He equally thanked the State Coordinator for bringing him back ‘home’ to Ikare after about thirty nine years when he left the ancient town to pursue higher education.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, said the idea to have a befitting and world class clinic was conceived by a serving corps doctor, Oluwagbemga Ijirotimi and the dream received instant support by the Medical and Health Community Development Service group of Akoko North East Local Government.

Akpabio said that it was indeed a special honour to be part of the construction of the ultra modern Camp Clinic and implored political office holders, philanthropists, business moguls, community leaders, various professionals and religious bodies to support the project with cash donations and materials to ensure that it is completed for use within the next one year.

She said, “It is pertinent to point out at this juncture that the project, when fully completed will bring glory to Ondo State as Nigerian youths posted to the Sunshine State will go back to their various states with the good story of having been in a camp with the best Clinic in Nigeria.”

Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Saturday, 6th April, 2019, inaugurated the 85kw Igbatoro Onigari solar mini-grid power project in Akure North.

He also launched the pilot of a scalable 45kw cabin-type mini-grid power project in Gbagira town in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Utilities, Tunji Light Ariyomo, the governor hailed the duo of Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger-Delta (PIND) and A4 and T Power Solutions for the success of the Gbagira project.

Ariyomo also revealed that another development partner, Community Energy Social Enterprise has recently completed about 85kw solar plant in Akure North local governmrnt area to be completed soon.

The Special Adviser said the Gbagira power plant now brings to five the number of successfully completed community power interventions by the Akeredolu-led government in the past two years.

He explained that “the Ondo State government just last year provided off-grid solar intervention in Ebute-Ipare, Aboto and Igbobini towns through another private firm, Messrs R. R. Reynolds. Today, we are delighted that PIND and A4 and T Solutions have continued this serious business of providing quality 24 /7 electricity for our people using alternative technology.”

According to him, there are other ongoing power projects in other parts of the state including the state capital city, Akure.
He said: “Another private firm is building an independent power plant (IPP) that will service government-owned establishments and government-owned residential estates in Akure while another company is building an IPP around Igbokoda to service the community and adjoining areas as well as the university campus in Igodan Lisa.”

Commending the people of the state for their cooperation and support for the Akeredolu-led administration, the special adviser appealed to the people of the host communities to jealously guard the facilities.

He said “We wish to appeal to the people to support all these initiatives by ensuring the protection of the facilities.”

The governor’s aide however, implored the beneficiaries of the power projects to ensure prompt and regular payment of their bills.
He said “We therefore appeal to the people to ensure prompt payment of their energy bills. It is only by so doing that the respective private companies can recoup their investments and be able to remain in business,” Ariyomo said.

The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom Oba Fredrick Akinruntan commended Akeredolu on the giant stride, saying the various projects being executed in the Southern senatorial district are laudable.

He pledged the continuous support of the people for the administration.
The monarch said with the advent of the IPP in the community, the socio-economic nerves of the community would experience meteoric development.

According to him, the community would guard jealously all the power facilities and ensure prompt payment of their bills.

Ondo State Government has commenced the construction of the 1.9 kilometre  Adaba FM road.

Governor Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday while on inspection tour of ongoing projects around the capital city, Akure  visited the road.

The General Manager of Adaba FM, Mr Martins Ayoola, who received the Governor expressed delight. He added that it would mark the beginning of more collaborations between the station and the government.

Governor Akeredolu said construction of road for accessibility was the responsibility of government. He applauded the radio station for the role it performing in the State.

The Ondo State government has been receiving praises for taking construction of roads to the next level. Among the latest to attract the attention of the government is the A Division-Ijoka-Idanre road, and part of the road is already being overlaid with asphalt. With this and many other road projects like it, the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led government is poised to make its mark.

Concerning that road, the governor said: “For me it has always been my wish to transverse this road back to Akure and through this, we are opening a new life for Idanre people.

“This road among other benefits, opens this city for tourist attraction so that everybody could come here and have beautiful moments while visiting our tourist centres.”

According to reports, part of the road would soon be ready for use.

It is important to note that there has been no incident of contractors abandoning project sites and this could be put to the novel approach to road construction that the state government has put in place. They are only paid in phases for job done based on the agreement with the government. With that the contractors would be on their toes to deliver as and when due.

Construction of access roads is important for the development of the society. It has the potential to increase the value of lands and landed properties, ease movement of farm products and other goods.

And in different parts of the state, the pain felt by those cut off when the culvert(s) leading to their area collapsed has been eased with government’s intervention.

According to reports, examples of such interventions include: construction of three box culverts in Ikare; construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikunu Road, construction of box culvert at Iralepo, Owo; construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

The governor has described the rehabilitation of roads as a dividend of good governance. He said that N9billion has already been expended to construct and rehabilitate roads in the state, revealing the passion of the state government in that regard.

In the construction of roads, especially dualisation, there are buildings that have to give way and indemnity paid to those whose buildings have to give way.

The governor said the government is “ensuring that all those whose property were affected by our development activities are duly compensated. The payment is to make it easy for them to relocate, acquire new property and continue life without hardship or encumbrances.”

Speaking on the 12kilometer Okitipupa Igbokoda road, Governor Akeredolu said: “The essence of this road is to divert traffic from inside Okitipupa town. We have to go through Okitipupa to Igbokoda and pass through markets and congested roads and we chose to have a bypass to assist traffic, hence the construction of the road.

“A lot of work has been done at the other end of the road and we can now pass through and it is an achievement for us.”

On the activities of the contractor, he said “they have gone beyond the amount we have given them, so we have to struggle to get money for them to speed up work. The terrain is very swampy and has to be stabilised.”

A few of the other roads being attended to by government in the southern senatorial districts are: Sabomi-Ajagba road, Ayeka Araromi road and secretariat road in Irele.

The Ore flyover along Shagamu-Benin expressway is also under construction. Travellers coming from Lagos into Akure, passing through that route would readily attest to that fact seeing how the place has been transformed. It did not just end as a good idea, when it was announced but the contractors have been mobilised to site and work is being done.

The infamous Oke Alabojuto road has also been attended to, bringing succour to people in the northern senatorial district.

There are many projects in Akure, Ondo State capital. They include: Ekiti Avenue Ijapo, Oluwatoyin crescent Alagbaka GRA, dualisation of CBN-Bishop courts road, Alagbaka, Iwalewa road, Court of Appeal road, Signature-Federal High Court-SIB road, Alagbaka and patching of selected roads in Akure.

In Owo, there is the dualisation of Emure Junction-Owo road. Idanre township roads and St Peters road Ile-oluji are not left behind.

Among the roads still to be constructed according to the plans of the government is the Akunnu-Ikaram-Oke Agbe-Afin-Ogbagi-Irun road.

The governor revealed that the design of the road has been completed, and contractors would soon be mobilised to the site. He made this known on a recent visit to the Akoko North West Local government, where the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata, like Oliver Twist, made an additional appeal for the rehabilitation of the Epinmi-Ikare-Oba-Ikuun-Ipe-Isua road.

He said: “We know they are Federal Government roads, but we appeal to you to use your connection to ensure that they are touched.”

The ondo state government in its commitment to safeguarding the lives of its people goes tough on dilapidated and partially collapsed buildings in the state.

Speaking during a monitoring exercise in Akure embarked on by the Ministry of pyhysical Planning and Urban Development, the State Commissioner, Prince Solagbade Amodeni made it clear that lives of the people will not be put at risk going by their ignorance of the grave danger of living or carrying out businesses in dilapidated and partially collapsed buildings.

While at the premises of a partially collapsed building at Continental road off Nepa road in Akure, Prince Amodeni, directed the enforcement squad of the ministry to issue a Quit Notice to residents of the building and recommended the house for demolition after red-marking it.

He maintained that the ministry will continue to move round the city to ensure that houses like this are recommended for demolition, adding that adequate sensitization will not be stopped to let the people know that houses in this condition are no more habitable as it gravely endangers the lives of its occupants.

The Commissioner advised occupants of houses in such condition to value their lives and seek for shelter elsewhere saying the state is not ready to suffer loss of lives of its citizens.

Engr. Stephen Olumilola, a staff of the ministry who was also on the monitoring team stated professionally that the house is failed structurally as it has cracked to its foundation. He said the structure cannot be salvaged and will soon collapse totally but advised that it be demolished and possibly rebuilt.

He posited that the residents should vacate the building, as the rainy season which is approaching will aid the collapse of the house thereby trapping the residents.

Director Monitoring and Enforcement, TPL Oyewole Folaranmi who was also on the team confirmed that 16 dilapidated houses have already been marked for demolition and Quit Notices issued to the occupants after due sensitization on the need for such. The 16 houses are around Oyemekun road, Gbogi street, lgboliki, odi-olowo, lsolo, Ijomu and Oba-ile areas.

The Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria RIFAN, Ondo State chapter, Prince George Oladapo has said that for the silos in Oda road to be fully utilised,  there must be enough  functional mills for the various commodities they are meant for.

Oladapo who said this in an interview with The Hope noted that the silos are of immense benefit to  farmers in the state.

He said a bigger capacity milling machine for rice farmers will be ready this year at Igbara Oke and milling will start, so that the silos can be fully engaged

According to him, what is produced now is not enough for home consumption let alone storage, hence the need for a large and functional mill.

Oladapo stressed that the output of farmers would be greatly increased with large milling factories since they know  that the problem of wastage is no longer there.

”Part of those things working against farmers from producing in large quantities is where to store it, supposing I can sell off what I produce, when we picked interest in rice production, we realised that there would be a reason for us to utilise the silos and store for the next season.

“Other farmers are taken advantage of it. If rice farmers are not using it this year, maize farmers can utilize it, cassava farmers can store garri. So by and large the silos have been of immense benefit to farmers in the state. Even the Federal Government sometimes makes use of it by storing grains and for other uses”, he said.

While saying that  farmers have continued to increase their out put annually because of assurance of a place to store it, Oladapo said more people particularly youths are getting interested in rice cultivation, which he opined is better than civil service jobs.

When asked about the mill at Layere in Ogbese in Akure North local government, Oladapo said the capacity can not even take care of home consumption.

“The rice mill in Ogbese is a mini one of about 15tonnes per day, it can not even take care of home consumption, let alone preservation, but a bigger mill will be ready in Igbara Oke before the end of the year and the silos will be fully engaged”, he explained.

He called on the government to sustain the association and give them a level playing ground, will become accessible  so that most of the things that are difficult for them to access will be easier.

The silos constructed long ago have not been put to use until recently.

Governor  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured the people of Akoko North West Local Government area of the state that the construction of Akunnu-Ikaram-Okeagbe-Afin-Ogbagi-Irun road would commence soon.

Akeredolu gave the assurance during his thank-you-tour to Akoko North West and Akoko South East Local Government areas of Ondo North Senatorial District over their supports for candidates of APC during the last House of Assembly election.

He explained that the design of the road had been completed, while the contractors would soon be mobilized to site .

The Governor, who described Akoko North West as the home of progressive politics, thanked them for their loyalty and support for APC at all times.

Akeredolu also thanked the people of the area for the victory of both candidates representing the two constituencies at the recently concluded House of Assembly elections.

Earlier, Owa of Ogbagi-Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in the local government, thanked the Governor for appointing indigenes of the local government into his cabinet.

While applauding Governor Akeredolu for the renovation of various Schools in the area, he appealed that construction works on their deplorable roads should commence in earnest.

At Isua, in Akoko South East local government, Akeredolu commended the people of the area for their support for the party’s candidate which he said would in turn, usher in more democracy dividends to the people.

He added that apart from the renovation of many schools in the area and the rehabilitation of the Federal Government’s Owo-Ikare road which had cost the state government a lot, he assured that roads linking communities in the local government would be attended to.

The governor further promised to ensure the continuous spread of dividends of democracy to the local governments.

State chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin, thanked people of the local governments for their massive support which gave the party victory.

He enjoined them to continue to support the APC-led government in future elections for the dividends of good governance to abound.

Chairmen of both local government areas, Yomi Babatunde (Akoko South East and Ayodele Akande, Akoko North West who lauded the Governor for the  execution of various developmental projects across the state, appealed for the construction of linkage roads within their domains.

Earlier, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata had thanked the governor for the rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare road, and schools.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of the deplorable Epinmi-Ikare-Oba-Ikun-Ipe-Isua road.

“We know they are Federal Government roads, but we appeal to you to use your connection to ensure that they are touched.

“Without road connectivity, our economy cannot improve in this area, but if you can get the roads rehabilitated, you don’t need to campaign for second term because the projects will speak for you, we want to have something to show to our people,” he appealed.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has pledged that the present administration would strive to complete the ongoing construction of the Idanre-Akure road project .

The Governor made this known while meeting with the people of the local government as part of his tour of all the local government areas in the state.

It would be recalled that the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), lost the Constituency to Festus Akingbaso of the PDP.

He described as unfortunate, the attitude of the people of the community to vote out the party’s candidate despite government’s numerous achievements in the town.

Akeredolu mentioned some government’s projects in the local government to include; road constructions completed and ongoing, renovation and construction of Schools, provision of motorized boreholes as well as the Alade water scheme among others.

“We have done so much for you which we believed should earn a good return for us.

“Either you voted for us or not, we are going to complete this road project, it is your right to have it and it is our own duty to do it, but it is imperative we learn how to show appreciation over government’s efforts”, he said.

Earlier, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin who hailed from the local government, had earlier appealed for forgiveness on behalf of people of the town over their performance during the just concluded House of Assembly election.

He said the Governor and party Chieftains have been moving round local governments to appreciate the people for their massive support for candidates of the party during the Assembly election, but regretted that the case was different in Idanre.

“We have benefited more under this present administration in terms of good road networks, provision of potable water, schools rehabilitation and lots more.

“It is unfortunate that we lost in Idanre, but Sir, that does not mean that we do not love you. The people have promised to make up for their error with handsome votes for the party during subsequent elections”, he promised.

Also, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi described what happened during the election as unfortunate, despite the fact that no administration has ever done much for Idanre like the Akeredolu-led government.

However, he said leaders of the party have had conversations across various quarters and communities in Idanre kingdom and have collectively resolved that come next year, their votes and support for the Governor will be total.

“We have apologized and have resolved to forge ahead in support for the APC-led government and beginning from this moment, we have embarked on house-to-house sensitization and reports indicated that our people are remorseful and are ready to move forward”, he said.

Similarly, the Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Aroloye thanked the Governor for his love for the local government which is evident in the number of various departmental and life-changing projects witnessed in the town.

He promised that people of the ancient town will reward him handsomely during the forthcoming election in the state.

Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Biyi Ayannuola who also lamented the party’s loss in the House of Assembly election, promised a better outing during subsequent polls.

He thanked the Governor for his giant strides in the local government which included; road constructions, rehabilitation of many schools with perimeter fencing and repair of over 130 boreholes through the Water and Sanitation Agency (WATSAN) across the local government area among others.

Residents of Idanre in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State have showered encomiums on the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  for the ongoing construction work on the town’s road linking Akure through Ijoka axis.

Sighting the Governor’s entourage, the residents who could not hide their joy over the 16 km road project which already had some portions of it asphalted, filed out in their large numbers, singing various songs in appreciation of Akeredolu’s  gesture.

The elated residents, especially those residing along the new road project, applauded the Governor for his noble gesture saying they never believed it would become a reality.

In separate interviews, some residents who spoke with The Hope; Victor Akinlaye and Lola Olomisawe commended Governor Akeredolu for deeming it fit to construct the road.

“Before now, this road was in a very bad  shape and we never believed it could be done until Akeredolu came like a God-sent, he did not only promise, but he is already working on it even when we were  filled with doubt.

Also applauding the Governor’s giant stride were Ojo Obataye and Joseph Ogbanje a commercial motorcyclist who has been plying the road for years.

They described the Governor’s intervention as that which has brought succour to residents of the area, saying they will forever remain thankful to him for doing the unexpected for the people.

Speaking on the project, Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr Raimi Aminu said the road was part of those flagged-off as part of the Governor’s one year in office celebration.

“The road is about 16Km length and was meant to serve as an alternative route for anyone moving from Idanre to Akure.

“Before now, Idanre has only one road that enters into the town, but we thank God today, that we can transverse from here straight to Ijoka in Akure.

According to him, about three days ago, the asphalt overlay commenced, but before then, the stone base had been laid which would enable the road stand the test of time because we considered the heavy vehicles that would be plying the road”, he said.

Aminu assured the community that the project will last the entire design period which is about the minimum of 20-25 years before a single pothole can be seen on it.

Commenting on the project, Governor Akeredolu expressed happiness that the people are appreciative of government’s efforts which was evident through the manner by which they trooped out, dancing and singing.

“For me, it has always been my wish to transverse this road back to Akure and through this, we are opening a new life for Idanre people.

“This route will among other benefits, open this city for tourist attractions so that everybody could come here and have beautiful moments while visiting our tourist centres”, he said.

Relieve will soon come the way of the people and motorists plying the Akure /Ado road as Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday disclosed that the road will soon be dualized by the Federal Government.

Already, Akeredolu said the Federal government has finished the design for the road but only awaiting budgetary approval.

The Governor gave the cheering news at Itaogbolu, headquarters of Akure North Local Government Area of the state during his Thank You Tour.

He explained that his administration has made several efforts at getting the road done before it later settled for the dualisation of the road.

Akeredolu appreciated the people of Akure North for voting for the APC candidate in the last House of Assembly elections. He said he was in the local government to show appreciation to the people.

While appreciating the people, the Governor mentioned that his government has intervened in the area of roads in Akure North especially in Ogbese market, Ogo Oluwa and Eleyowo expressway.

He said “We have repaired several boreholes in Akure North. In fact, our accelerated water scheme in Ayede Ogbese has gotten the attention of the Federal Government who has come to study what we have done in this state

“I believe you have seen the Schools we have reconstructed. Very soon, we will continue with the reconstruction of more schools in the state.

The Governor was welcome by the people and traditional rulers across the local government.

The construction of 12km Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road is to provide an alternative way to ease heavy traffic in Okitipupa town.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stated this during an inspection of the level of work done on the road project which was flagged-off during his first year anniversary in office last year.

“The essence of this road is to divert traffic from inside Okitipupa town. We have to go through Okitipupa to Igbokoda and pass through markets and congested roads and we chose to have a bypass to assist traffic, hence the construction of the road.

“The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr Raimi Aminu has been giving me reports on the level of works done here. We are just trying to traverse the construction now.

“A lot of work has been done at the other end of the road, it is a virgin road that we can now pass through and it is an achievement for us.

“For me, I know that we can trust the contractor because we know the type of work they do. We have seen their works in Ore and Owo”, he said

On his assessment of the job done so far, Akeredolu said the Company is doing a good job, saying he looks forward to their finishing on schedule and expressed the hope that if government is able to raise fund for them on time, it would accelerate the timely completion of the project.

“They have done far beyond the amount we have given them, so we have to struggle to get money for them to speed up their work.

“The terrain is very swampy and has to be stabilized. We thank CraneBurg for the good work it has been able to do”, he said.

Also, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr Raimi Aminu attributed the delay encountered to the fact that owners of the land have to be duly compensated before the contractor started the work.

He explained further that at the beginning of the project, so many culverts that would guarantee long life span for the project were constructed.

“That’s why it was delayed. According to the contractor, the contract duration is 24 months, but he promised that within the next 18 months, the project will be delivered

Aminu further explained that the road was put up to ease traffic congestion within Okitipupa township

Earlier, Site Manager of Craneburg Construction Company in Okitipupa, Elias Harb, said work commenced on the project four months ago.

“We started from the beginning and the end of it, to meet in the middle, this way will speed up the work and ensure that the road project which is to be completed in two years would be completed and delivered as fast as possible”, he said.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday inspected the ongoing road construction in Igbara Oke / Isarun and Ibuji in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

The Akeredolu’s administration is constructing 3.1km road in Igbara Oke /Isarun road while another 8.1km road is ongoing at the Igbara Oke /Ibuji road.

The Governor said the people of the state deserve dividend of governance . He assured the people that the state has just started witnessing massive infrastructural development.

The governor described the Igbara Oke road as an important route which connects the State with other neighbouring states of Osun and Ekiti.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has began total rehabilitation of failed and bad sections of some major roads in Ode Aye community to ease transportation and improve business activities.

The rehabilitation of about three kilometres of roads which is being handled by BACOY Construction Company are one of the many road projects that is going on in the state under the auspices of NDDC .

While speaking on the development, Comrade Oyeniyi Iwakun, National Coordinator, Ikale Youths Movement (IYM)lauded the government for embarking on such projects which he said will boost economic growth of the community.

Iwakun added that the road projects will yield fruitful results in line with the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s policy on building strong and reliable economy through the transportation sector.

In a similar vein, Pastor Daisi Olaseeni, a community leader and an All Progressives Congress stalwart in the town, commended the effort of the State government and that of the NDDC in providing succour to the affected road users.

He however admonished the people to see the ongoing projects in the community as a good step in the right direction.

The projects are expected to cover the streets of Ladawo, Surulere and Adegborioye all in Ode Aye township.

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the people of Ondo State that the natural resources the state is endowed with including bitumen will be fully harnessed for the development of the state, if given the chance to rule the country the second term.

Buhari gave the assurance at a meeting with traditional rulers across the state at GPM Plaza in Oba-Ile yesterday, during his visit to the state in continuation of his presidential campaign.

The president stated that the Federal Government will collaborate with the state government and give the necessary support for the bitumen exploration, while fully tapping into other resources readily available in the state.

He assured that the deep seaport project would commence as soon as arrangements are made to open up the state’s coastal area to become an industrial hub for job creation and economic boom.

Highlighting some of his administration achievements in the last three and half years, he said Ondo State has not been left out in its programmes, policies and projects to reposition the state.

He listed other plans of his government for the state to include railway lines in Akure and electrification of towns in the state

While stating that his administration is working towards ensuring that life becomes better for the citizenry, Buhari maintained that his government would not rest on its oars in putting in place infrastructural facilities, reviving the nation’s economy, fighting insecurity and corruption to make Nigeria a better place if given a second term.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), while welcoming the president and his entourage at the event stated that the All Progressive Congress (APC) led Federal government has enjoyed the support of traditional rulers in the state.

Akeredolu who thanked the president for his various social interventions in the state, assured that the direct beneficiaries at the grassroots will continue to support him in his re-election bid.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Council of Obas and Olukare of Ikare, HRM Oba Akadiri Momoh welcomed the president and his entourage to the state, urging him to pay adequate attention to the requests of the people of Ondo State.

The Olukare had listed their requests to include the execution of the deep sea port project, electrification of Akoko communities which has been in the dark for long, dualisation of some federal roads in the state and exploitation of bitumen among other natural resources, saying they are key to the development of the state.

He assured the president that the traditional rulers are ready to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in their various communities.

In separate interviews, the traditional rulers including, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, HRM Oba Victor Kiladejo, Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw-ibe, HIM Pere Zaccheus Egbunu and Olowa of Igbara Oke, HRM Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede, expressed their readiness to ensure peaceful conduct of their subjects in their respective domains before, during and after the elections, wishing President Buhari success in his re-election bid.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/

The people of Ore in Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State have described the on-going first ever flyover bridge project in the area capable of enhancing economic turnaround of the Southern Senatorial District when completed.

A community leader, Chief Michael Olanrewaju while commending the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the payment of compensation to the affected people said the project is long overdue.

He said the flyover bridge will boost the economic status of the commercial town when completed and also reduce the incessant road accidents at the spot.

“The governor has given the people a lease of life after their properties were demolished to give room for the flyover through adequate payment of compensation to encourage them to start up again, it is a welcome development.

“Since the flag-off of the project, work has started and is ongoing and I am very sure that people are happy with the project”.

Olanrewaju said the project will improve the economic development of Ore community and its environs urging the government to do everything possible to complete the flyover on time.

Also, Mr. Taye Bamidele said, “I am very sure that when the project is completed, it will improve and open up the economic strength of Ore. Ore remain the economic hub of Ondo State.

He said the residents are excited seeing contractor on the road, which is highly prone to ghastly motor accidents almost on weekly basis.

“Here in Ore, our main challenge is this portion of the road. A week can hardly go by without an accident occurring, hence the reason for our excitement in February when the Governor came to flag off the flyover project.

“So we appeal to the government to speed up the project and it should not entertain any delay.

The Hope reports that Ondo State Government has also rehabilitated the 500m old Lagos-Benin expressway and Ore township road from Mobil junction to Sabo junction.

Source: TheHopeNewsPaper.com

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the East West railway line be extended to Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The President gave the directive yesterday while addressing a mammoth crowd of party faithful who thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in continuation of his re-election bid as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Buhari obviously elated by the huge crowd at the campaign venue said his campaign against corruption would receive a new impetus at the next level of his tenure.

Also speaking, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said the federal government schools feeding programme would be stepped up from the present 9.2million children to 13 million during the next level of the APC led Federal government.

According to him, at present, the federal government home grown school feeding programme is feeding 9.2 million primary school children daily in 26 states and this would be increased to 13 million school children daily in all the 36 states across the federation during the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He also disclosed that the N-power programme would create more employments to 1.5 million unemployed youths during the APC second term, as against the present 500,000.

Osinbajo who stated this yesterday during the APC presidential campaign rally held at the Democracy Park, Akure, the Ondo State capital, equally added that 6.8 million eggs are needed weekly to feed the school pupils under the school feeding programme, the development which has provided jobs and revenues for poultry farmers and other farmers in the affected states.

The vice president noted that all the N-Power beneficiaries would also be provided with tablets with equipped with necessary training facilities.

Osinbajo said the federal government would build rail way in Akure and step up the construction of federal roads during the APC next level, stressing that more jobs would be provided for the people of the state through the projects.

Apart from all these, the Vice president added that there would be stable electricity to create jobs and improve the economy of the country during the second term of the APC led government, saying that more companies would be licensed to generate power in the country.

He noted that Federal Government has started working to ensure all remaining towns in the Ondo Southern Senatorial district are reconnected back to the National Grid to improve the socioeconomic development in the affected areas.

He explained that federal government is partnering Brazilian government to provide farming equipments for youths in agriculture in the country to ease farming activities and ensure food sufficiency.

Osinbajo further disclosed that apart from the Tradermoni initiated by the federal government, another programme called ‘Peoples Moni’ would be initiated to provide soft loans for all categories of traders.

He described corruption as bane of development in the country, just as he assured that the ongoing Lagos/Ibadan express road would soon be completed, while Lagos -Abeokuta-Ibadan rail way would be commissioned by February.

He said three out of the four refineries in the country were built during the then Buhari’s administration, arguing that Buhari would do more if elected for a second term.

Osinbajo urged the people of the country to vote massively for APC in the February 16 poll to ensure continuity of good governance.

The Ondo State Executive Council on Monday awarded contracts for the construction of the 37.5km dual coastal carriage Araromi-Seaside-Akodo-Lekki Road.The state executive council awarded the 37.5km dual carriageway after a selective tendering method.The road project execution is to be co-funded by the Ondo State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at ratio 60:40.

According to the state exco’s approval, the road project is divided into two lots.

Lot One, which is the 18.850km of the road, is awarded to Craneburg Construction Company, Lagos, for N16.9bn. The execution of Lot one is to commence from Araromi Seaside and terminates at Awodikora/OKLNG.

The 18.65km Lot Two of the road project is awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, Abuja, for N15.7bn. The construction of Lot Two will start from Awodikora/OKLNG to Akodo-Lekki in Lagos State.

The state executive council intends to pay 30% of the contract sum to the beneficiary contractors as mobilization fee, while subsequent will be paid based on measurements and certificates.

Contractors handling the projects are to deliver them in 36 calendar months.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has declared that the proposed Port of Ondo (Deep Sea) will change the landscape of the state and create massive job opportunities by the time it comes into reality.

The governor said the Port of Ondo is an attempt to plant a tree under which shade some of the state executive Council members, may not sit. Akeredolu added that his administration is building for the next generation.

Governor Akeredolu spoke at the Community and Stakeholders Forum and the submission of the report of the Port of Ondo (Deep Sea) held at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME) on Thursday, 24th January, 2019.

He said “We are doing things for generation to come. I have always believed that there should be a beginning, we have started, there is no going back. In the number of years we will be here, we will pursue port of Ondo

“I was privileged to travel with President Buhari to Netherlands. We went on a boat and visited the ports, immediately I told him, if anything like this must happen in Nigeria, it must be in Ondo state. Not only that, the President has said it most of the times that he knows that Ondo is the right place for a deep Sea Port. “

The water supply programme of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration received a major boost on Tuesday , as the governor commissioned a water scheme capable of supplying water to the entire people of Ayede Ogbese, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Akeredolu said the scheme was part of the state government’s efforts aimed at meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by 2030.

The governor, who received loud cheers from a large crowd who turned out to receive him, said his administration embarked on the project following a devastating revelation that the percentage of public water supply in the state was less than four percent.

The water scheme, which is being executed by the Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RUWASSA), the governor said will provide potable water for the people of Ayede Ogbese and its environs.

He explained that Ayede Ogbese water scheme is designed to have 5km reticulation and distribution network with a storage tank of 50m capacity that would discharge at full capacity twice a day with 100 public standpipes, 200 fetching points while one fetching point will serve 50 people.

The governor said: “As part of our avowed commitment to improving the wellbeing of our people, our administration embarked upon a two-prong approach to revitalize Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Ondo State with special focus on rural and urban water supply utilizing slightly different strategies.

Akeredolu, however, expressed optimism that the new initiative would eradicate open defecation among other health challenges facing the people.

He added that RUWASSA had been empowered to partner individuals, corporate organisations and donor agencies to promote and support investment in water projects across the state.

The governor said: “Our government will endeavor to put necessary machinery in place to attract development partners and investments leveraging Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement to achieve our target in WASH for the people of Ondo State.”

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu, made passionate appeal to governments at all levels to ensure access to adequate water supply and sanitation to avoid its consequences.

Adamu, who arrived Akure for the commissioning, praised the governor for the initiative, which he said would help in eradicating the problems associated with open defecation.

He explained that the consequences of lack of access to water and sanitation included economic losses, high prevalence of water related diseases, reduced school enrolment and attendance, loss of dignity, increased risks of insecurity and violence against women and children.

“Water is life and has no substitute. However, our country today still has significant challenges of access to adequate Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash).”

Also, Chairman of Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju said the scheme is an innovation with new direction and sustainable plan for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

She added that it will optimally utilize underground water unlike the stand-alone motorized and hand pump boreholes that would serve a lesser population. Adeyanju further explained that the Scheme is to improve, sustain and expand safe water supply to over 3,000 communities in the state.

Determined to bridge the infrastructural defect in the state, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has disclosed that the present administration has constructed various kilometres of roads of about fourteen out of the eighteen local governments across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

The Governor made the disclosure during his inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the first-of-its-kind Fly-over bridge in Ore, Odigbo local government area of the state.

He said despite the state’s lean purse, the present government is turning the state into a construction site with various projects that impact positively on the lives of people of the state.

Akeredolu who noted that only a few parts of the state have not benefited from the road projects, assured that such areas would be touched and called for patient, saying he is taking the projects one at a time.

Governor Akeredolu however stated that the Fly-over bridge, when completed, would enable free-flow of trafficks as well as reducing to its barest minimum, the incessant road crashes that had claimed many lives in the past.

Also, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr Raimi Aminu said drilling and piling as well as foundation for the all-important project would commence as soon as demolition is completed.

Speaking on behalf of Cranebarg Construction Company, the firm handling the project, Engr Tony Salloum assured that the project would be ready within the contract duration of one year.

The National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commended governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for making the Akure Airport viable for public use.

The new Airspace manager, Akure Airport, Engr. Adebayo Ogunleye who led members of his team on a courtesy visit to the governor’s office said Governor Akeredolu has turned the airport and the state into cynosure of all eyes.

He said “When I resumed as the Airspace Manager in Akure, what I used to know Akure to be has completely changed and I must commend you Sir for the infrastructural development your administration has put in place

“Before this administration came on board, there is hardly an Aircraft that comes into the state on a daily basis, but after you assumed office, you have turned the Akure Airport into a beehive of business activities as flights now fly into the state often on daily basis”, he said.

Ogunleye noted that NAMA is committed to safety of the populace and is responsible for putting up equipment to make flight operations a successful one and ensure that the public feel secured whenever they are on board.

“We are also here to inform you that the Chief Executive of NAMA is highly committed to uplifting the Akure Airport from Category One Airport to Category Two by introducing lots of decision equipment that would turn the Airport to a more viable one.

“NAMA as a body, has equipment to guide the pilot’s jurisdiction, but what we have here now is only for Sunset and Sunrise which is not too good for Akure.

“So having been trained on all sorts of equipment, I was sent here to be part of the team that would install the Instrument Landing System (ILS) that would be deployed to this state”,he said.

He explained that the ILS will enable flights to come at all times and would allow the Pilot to land even at zero weather condition.

In his response, Governor Akeredolu said the Akure Airport is very important to his administration.

“Akure is important to us, we were billed to be a cargo airport. What we are looking up to is when we will have a full fledge cargo airport. So that we can have our produce being taken into another country. What we have done within the airport now should be up to 1 km of road . We have been making our little contribution to help the airport.”

In less than two years in office, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State has recorded unprecedented success in road constructions and rehabilitations.

Like no other administration before it, Akeredolu has kept to his promise to make both the people’s welfare and infrastructural development of the state a priority of his administration.

The Akeredolu’s magic touch on roads rehabilitation and construction does not discriminate against federal, state or local government roads. That is the case on the Owo-Ikare road and several other roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

THE FACTS:

1. Rehabilitation of selected road in Ifon (2.063km)

2. Rehabilitation of Oke Afa Road in Supare (1.448km)

3. Rehabilitation of Lennon Jubile-Solaco Road, Ugbe Road (2.358km)

4. Rehabilitation of failed portion along Iwaro-Oka-Isua Road (900m) and (21.8km)

5. Installation of street light along Owo Dualised Road

6. Construction of GRA roads (2.5km) to Owo dualisation

7. Construction of Iyere/Igbe Road, Owo

8. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (Phase 2)

9. Construction of Melege Junction-Ute township road (9km)

10. Dualisation of road from Emure junction (4.273km) -AUD and from Ministry of Works to Iyere junction (2.963), Owo

11. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (3.50km) Phase 1

12. Dualisation of Ikare Township Road Phase 11

13. Rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare Road (35km)

14. Dualisation of Oke Alabojuto Road, Ikare Phase 1 (0.5km)

15. Construction of 3 No box culverts at Ikare

16. Construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikun Road

17. Construction of box culvert at Aralepo, Owo

18. 5km pilot scheme RAAMP Project Molege Ute Road

19. Construction of selected roads in I danre (2.76km)

20. Construction of Iwalewa-Alafiaatayo, Iwalewa-Oshinle, Iwalewa-Hospital Road and Abusoro Road, Ijoka Phase 1

21. Construction of Alagbaka SIB-Appeal Court Road (6.02km)

22. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Isharun and Isharun Township Road (3.1km)

23. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Ibuji Road (8.1km)

24. Rehabilitation/construction of Oke-Ogba community road (5.412km)

25. Construction of Gaga community township road (5.569km)

26. Reconstruction of Bolorunduro to Fagbo Road (8.50km), Ondo

27. Construction of Ijoka to Idanre Road (15km)

29. Rehabilitation of Ondo dual carriage Road Phase 11 (4.3km)

30. Lighting/rehabiitation of Mobil Fiwasaye-Airport Road (8.950km)

31. Rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo town (7.11km)

32. Dualisation of Ondo township Road ohase 1 (5.5km)

33. Rehabilitation of Access Road Royal Birds Motel/Kayode, Adinlewa Alagbaka, Akure (1.89km)

34. Construction of Army Barracks Network Rods, Akure

35. Construction/Rehabilitation of Ijapo Housing Estate Road (2.817km)

36. Construction of terminal building access road/parking lot at Akure Airport

37. Patching of selected roads in Akure township

38. Construction of Sabomi-Ajagba Road (2.3km)

39. Rehabilitation of Ore township (Mobil-Sabo Juntion (0.5km)

40. Rehabilitation/Construction of Ile-Oluji township Road (5.25km)

41. Construction of Okitipupa Igbokoda Bypass Road phase 1 (10km)

42. Construction of Flyover across Benin/Ore expressway

43. Construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

The Senate Committee on Works has lauded the infrastructural drive which the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has brought to bear on the Sunshine State since the inception of his administration.

Speaking while on a courtesy visit to the State Governor in his office in Akure, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said one could see across the state, several development projects the governor has been delivering for the well-being of citizens of the state.

The Senate Committee members were in Ondo State to inspect the condition of federal roads in Ondo State so as to integrate the reconstruction or repairs of such roads into the 2019 Federal Budget.

Senator Gaya expressed satisfaction at the several ongoing road projects in the state and commended the state government at rehabilitating some of the federal roads despite the current economic downturn affecting revenues inflow into the state confers.

While expressing concerns at the discomfort road users pass through on some of the federal roads in the state and some parts of the thirty-one states the committee had visited, Senator Gana assured that the Federal Government would in no distance begin work on some of the roads, particularly the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road.

In his response, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lauded the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari at delivering monumental projects across the country.

The governor stated categorically that the APC controlled Federal Government has performed creditably to accelerate national development hence the need to key into its agenda to transform Nigeria.

Governor Akeredolu used the opportunity to highlight some of the interventions of the State Government on some federal roads so as to make the roads in their deplorable conditions become passable by motorists.

Some of the federal roads the State Government was working on, according to Arakunrin Akeredolu include the ten terribly bad portions on Owo-Ikare Road, the Akure-Owo Road and IgbaraOke-Ekiti Road.

While calling on the Federal Government to reimburse the state with funds expended on federal roads in the state, Governor Akeredolu said his administration would not for any reason allow citizens of the state to be subjected to hardships on either state or federal roads within the state.

He pleaded for urgent actions on the federal roads in the state particularly the Ikare-Owo, Ipele-Isua and Ondo-Ore roads with a promise to undertake a Flyover Brigde on the Lagos- Ore-Benin expressway at Ore to ease free flow of traffic.

The Ondo state government is ensuring that urban renewal is reemphasized at the state capital as parts of efforts towards proper planning of the environment with recourse to physical planning rules.

Preceding the commencement of dualisation at Oba Osupa road ( from Esso junction to NEPA roundabout), the Commissionerfor Physical Planning and Urban Development Prince Solagbade Amodeni with the enforcement squad of his ministry and some dialisation committee members Mr Taofeek Abdusalam – Commissioner for works, Engr Raimi Aminu -S.S.A Infrastructure and Lands, and the Permanent Secretary Engr Otun and others were at the site to monitor and ensure the demolition of ilegal attachments and eave projections.

Speaking to journalist Prince Amodeni said the removal of these eave projections and illegal structures must precede this dualisation exercise. ‘These illegal attachments have for long defaced the state capital and in this process of urban renewal, things must be done right, this time’ , he said.
He added that the ministry of works that is in charge of dualisation has sensitized relevant stakeholders and made provision for compensation for the demolition of legal and approved structures.
However, the Commissioner reemphasized that the removal and demolition of these illegal structures and attachments will not attract any form of compensation.

Speaking on the relocation order given to auto dealers operatig in unapproved places, he promised that the ministry is not tired and will visit them soon, but this time, the full weight of the law will be applied.

The Ondo State Government has hailed the inclusion of Akure Airport in the Federal Government status upgrade of four airports in the country. Addressing Government House Reporters in Akure, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi said the approval of the Federal Executive Council to inject N6bn for the acquisition of Information, Landing Systems For Four Airports in which Akure Airport is a beneficiary gives credence to the untiring efforts of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN at showcasing the investible potentials of Ondo State and his strategic rapprochement with the Buhari-led administration.

Mr Olowolabi said since the inception of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Administration in Ondo State several steps have been taken to attract attention to the Akure Airport. “Governor Akeredolu through patronage helped revived the moribound Lagos-Akure route and also activated Abuja-Akure route. “It will interest you that both routes now operate daily flights to the state”, he said. The Commissioner stated that within the first one year in office of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the attention he paid to the Akure Airport brought about the collaboration between the State Government and the Federal Airport Authority which led to the building of a Temporary Terminal due to the encouraging traffic at the facility. ”The governor facilitated the coming of Air Peace Airlines to the state which fly Lagos-Akure route and also encouraged Overland Airways on Abuja- Akure route; both now operate daily to and fro the state capital.

‘The friendly disposition of Arakunrin Akeredolu towards the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is no doubt yielding positive results for us in Ondo State” , the Commissioner said. Mr. Olowolabi expressed optimism that the governor before the end of this tenure in office will totally change the fortunes of the state. “And may I say, several things will come our way very soon, I pray our eyes will see the movement of our Sunshine State to a vibrantly productive state, he assured.

The Federal Executive Council at its weekly meeting presided over by Vice President; Yemi Osinbajo last week approved contracts totaling N6bn for four different airports in the country. Briefing newsmen on details of the approval, the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed that N2.588bn was approved for aeronautical information system that would give accurate information, including weather information, to pilots and other aviators. He also said the council approved N1.188bn to upgrade the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Category III status. The Minister added that the contract would include the provision of Instrument Landing System for aircraft operations in harsh weather conditions. He stated that N1.175bn was approved to upgrade the Akure and Benin airports to Category II status. The contracts have completion period of 20 weeks.

The Ondo State Government has commiserated with a popular Motor Spare Parts Dealer in Owo, Alhaji Saliu Lawal also known as Shanu-Olu Motor Parts whose shop was gutted by fire. In his message at the scene of the incident in Owo, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN sympathised with the shop owner and described the incident as a great loss owing to the significant role that he has been playing in the economy of the ancient town and the state at large. While lamenting the collosal loss, Governor Akeredolu described Shanu-Olu Motors as a dependable ally to motorists in the town and prayed that God will console him.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Governor Akeredolu enjoined the police and the fire service to do a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the inferno and informed the fire victim that the government will communicate its assistance to him very shortly. He however commended the people of Owo for their efforts at putting out the infern and enjoined them to always ensure that their electrical appliances were always put off to avoid a reoccurrence.

Addressing Journalists on behalf of the family the son of the shop owner, Mr Akeem Lawal appealed to the State Government to come to the assistance of the family. Items burnt to ashes in the shops and stores in various brands of motor spare parts, Batteries, Engine oil of all kinds, kitchen utensils, Gas Cookers, Electronic Knitting machines, Generating sets, Bicycles, Sewing machines among others. The Government Team led by tge Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale include: Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Femi Idris and the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Mr Dare Aragbaye while the Caretaker Chairman of Owo Local Government, Mr Gani Omoluka was on hand to welcome the team. Bode Akinwumi.

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has expressed satisfaction at the pace of road construction works across the state. Speaking to Newsmen while on unscheduled inspection tour of the over Five point Seven Kilometers virgin road construction within the Alagbaka GRA in Akure, Governor Akeredolu lauded the quality and speed at which the Contractor was going with the job. The road network spanning across Akingbola street; African Church Comprehensive High School, Alagbaka area and stretches towards the Federal High Court; Police Headquarters and Federal Secretariat roads with expansive hydraulic structures.

The tour also took the governor and his team to the Edo Lodge and Oke-Ijebu Areas in response to complaints on the effects of potholes in the areas. Arakunrin Akeredolu assured that actions would be taken by relevant agencies of government to work on the potholes in the areas before the rain begins. “Repair work would commence almost immediately on the affected portions of the road as soon as possible. “Giving quick attention to the damaged portions of the roads would save them from further damage by rainfall and would as well, enable residents enjoy a smooth drive”, he said.

While commenting on the confidence of working without payment of mobilisation fees to the contractors handling road construction works across the state, Governor Akeredolu said the State Government would ensure that the high level of trust on his administration was not betrayed by ensuring that payments on work done are paid without any delays. “I think it’s a point to for me to thank and commend them. It speaks volumes that they can do this work without any form of payment “So we will look for ways of getting money to ensure they are paid and able to continue with their work,” he assured. Also speaking with pressmen, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu said the Alagbaka road construction consist network of virgin roads. “In between the roads, we have connectivities, so as to ensure that the roads are well structured, such that they won’t pose a threat to residents of the area. ” We are sure the work would be completed before the contract duration period of eighteen months.

“The road is among several roads flagged-off three months ago during the Akeredolu-led administration’s one-year Anniversary and I can assure you that with this level of commitment by the contractors, the projects will be delivered in twelve months”, he stated. Engineer Aminu who said apart from the potholes inspected by the governor, directives have been given by the governor on roads with different problems for necessary measurements and proceesses towards immediate repairs. Speaking on the Hospital- Ijoka Road Dualization project in Akure, the Special Adviser said a lot of preparatory work have been done and very soon site work would commence.

“Acquisition notices have to be served to the residents occupying the properties in the road for dualization. “Compensation of the residents will take a while but we have achieved 70 to 75 percent completion of this process. We have to know the way to handle our people so they don’t feel cheated. “From my assessment, in the next two months there should be physical work on ground in that dualization of Akure project,” he said. The Special Adviser used the occasion to hint on progress of work on the Idanre/ Akure Road which he said was been attended to by its site contractor. A consultant to the State Government on road construction, Engineer Remi Osiberu and the Special Adviser, Engineer Raimi Aminu accompanied the governor on the inspection tour.

In its unbridled desire and commitment to building Infrastructure and providing enabling environment for investment to thrive, Ondo State Government.