By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday flagged off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, the state capital, describing the project as necessary to address growing traffic congestion and improve transportation in the metropolis.
The project, which is the second flyover bridge being constructed in Akure, will run along the Oyemekun-Off Oba Adesida Road corridor, from Adegbola Junction to St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Aiyedatiwa said the project followed a detailed assessment by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
He described the axis as one of the busiest arteries in the state capital, noting that it had become a major hub for commercial, administrative and social activities.
“It has long served as the fulcrum of commercial, administrative and social activity in the capital city,” he said.
“It connects our foremost markets, financial institutions and educational establishments, places of worship and dense residential settlements. It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure passes daily.
“Yet, with growth has come considerable strain. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents.
“These challenges hamper productivity, discourage investment and compromise the safety and well-being of our citizens. A responsible government must therefore act decisively to remedy the situation, and that is exactly what we are doing right now.”
‘Project more than necessary’
Responding to criticism over the construction of the flyover, Aiyedatiwa said the project was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s position that flyovers should only be constructed where they were necessary.
He urged critics not to quote the President out of context.
“Let me quickly remind all of us, especially those naysayers that never see anything good in what we are doing.
“This is not the kind of location Mr. President was referring to when he said governors should stop building flyovers. He said they should not erect them where they are unnecessary. You must add the other side of his speech. Do not quote Mr. President out of context.
“Where it is necessary, you can do it. This one is more than necessary, and that is why we are doing it,” he said.
The governor also thanked Tinubu for the Federal Government’s fiscal reforms, which he said had enabled states to access increased allocations from the Federation Account.
“It is because we have the money that we are embarking on this project,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the decision to construct the flyover was based on careful planning, critical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the project is designed to provide a modern transport solution that will improve the movement of people and goods across the metropolis.
“Our objective is to deliver a modern transport solution that prioritises efficiency, safety and seamless movement of persons and goods within the metropolis.
“Upon completion, we will ease congestion at critical points, particularly at Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka.
“It will shorten travel time for commuters, reduce vehicle operating costs and improve air quality by limiting idling in traffic,” he said.
He added that the project would reposition Akure as a more competitive and investor-friendly capital by improving its infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to business growth.
“More importantly, it will reposition Akure as a competitive and investor-friendly capital — a city with efficient infrastructure that attracts businesses, retains talent and expands opportunities for our youth,” he said.
The governor stressed that infrastructure development must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for residents.
“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay and when workers can return home after work with less stress, then we will have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He charged the contractor to execute the project according to specifications, budget and schedule, while maintaining high standards of professionalism and safety.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Abiola Olawoye, urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the approved specifications and timelines.
Olawoye also highlighted several road projects rehabilitated and constructed by the state government across Ondo State.
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