The Ondo State Government’s recent announcement to commence the dualization of the Akure–Idanre Road has drawn praise from experts and stakeholders who describe it as a bold and visionary move that aligns infrastructure with economic development.
In a widely circulated commentary, Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, a development expert, described the project as “a masterstroke of infrastructural planning with clear economic intelligence behind it.”
According to Dr. Akinkuebi, the proposed dualization is more than a routine upgrade—it is a deliberate effort to unlock the economic potential of one of the state’s most strategic corridors. He noted that while infrastructure projects across Nigeria are often limited to ceremonial flag-offs and political fanfare, this initiative stands out for its direct link to economic activation.
Idanre Hill, one of Nigeria’s most iconic natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site nominee, sits at the heart of this development. The current state of the access road has long been a deterrent for both domestic and international tourists. Dr. Akinkuebi noted that a modern dual carriageway will not only ease access but also attract significant hospitality investments, promote cultural tourism, and create thousands of jobs in the service sector.
“This is about unlocking Idanre’s full tourism potential. A better road means more visitors, more hotels, more local businesses, and more opportunities for our people,” he said.
Idanre is also a major cocoa-producing hub, reportedly accounting close to 20% of cocoa output in Ondo State—one of Nigeria’s top cocoa-producing states. Poor road conditions have hindered the efficient transport of produce, leading to losses, delays, and inflated operational costs for farmers and traders.
“With this road project, farmers will reach markets faster, transporters will save on maintenance costs, and agribusinesses can operate with greater efficiency,” Dr. Akinkuebi added. “We are not just laying concrete; we are building the expressway for exports, agribusiness expansion, and regional trade.”
The project has also been praised for what it represents in the broader context of governance. Analysts say the Akure–Idanre Road is a model for how infrastructure should be approached—strategically, with clear links to economic value.
“This is the kind of development that answers the right question: ‘What economic value does this unlock?’” Dr. Akinkuebi emphasized.
He commended the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for what he called a “bold and visionary step” toward repositioning the state as an economic powerhouse. “This road is more than a connection between two towns—it is a gateway to a new era for Ondo’s economy,” he said.
The project has been widely welcomed by residents, business owners, and community leaders who hope it will be executed with excellence, transparency, and a people-first approach.
“This is the kind of progress we want to see,” said a local cocoa merchant in Idanre. “The road has been a challenge for years. If this dualization is done right, it will change everything.”
