Ondo on the Move: Ayedatiwa Unveils Landmark Road Development Plan Across All 18 LGAs
By Kikelomo Isijola
Ondo State is setting a new benchmark for inclusive governance and infrastructural renewal as Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa launches an ambitious 90-kilometer road construction project under the first phase of a continuous statewide development program.
This initiative – 5 kilometers of road in each of the state’s 18 local government areas (LGAs) – is more than an infrastructure plan. It is a bold statement of fairness, connectivity, and sustainable growth.
The Ayedatiwa administration understands that development must be equitable, realistic, and impactful. Unlike grandiose promises that often end in delays or abandonment, this is a strategic, phased approach designed to deliver results.
Fairness and Inclusion: For the first time in decades, all 18 LGAs will feel the direct impact of government presence, bridging the gap between rural and urban development.
Quick, Visible Results: By keeping the first phase practical, the government ensures tangible improvements within a short period, restoring public confidence.
A Rolling Development Programme: This is not a one-off project but the foundation for a continuous road development agenda that will expand progressively.
Community-Centered Execution: Commissioners representing each LGA will supervise implementation, ensuring accountability and alignment with local priorities.
This project goes beyond asphalt and concrete; it is about transforming lives and unlocking economic potential across Ondo State.
Agriculture: Ondo is a leading cocoa producer. Farmers in Akoko, Owo, and Ifedore will transport their produce faster, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing income.
Commerce and Industry: Improved roads mean lower logistics costs, easier market access for SMEs, and a more attractive investment climate.
Tourism: Destinations such as Idanre Hills and the coastal tourism belt will become more accessible, boosting hospitality and job creation.
Social Services: Good roads save lives – faster access to hospitals and schools will enhance healthcare delivery and education standards.
Jobs and Skills: The project will create thousands of jobs for engineers, artisans, and labourers, while empowering local contractors with experience for future projects.
The distribution of these projects reflects a deliberate commitment to statewide inclusion:
North (Akoko Axis): Linking cocoa-producing areas to major trade routes.
Central (Akure, Idanre, Ifedore): Easing congestion and improving access to the state capital.
South (Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele): Opening up oil-rich and riverine areas, boosting logistics for the oil and gas sector, and enhancing coastal tourism.
Governor Ayedatiwa’s vision is clear: a state where progress is inclusive, infrastructure is dependable, and opportunities are shared by all. This road project marks the first building block of a broader development strategy focused on economic empowerment, social mobility, and investor confidence.
With this initiative, Ondo State is positioning itself for long-term competitiveness and shared prosperity. It is a governance model that blends vision with practicality, ambition with sustainability, and development with equity.
The journey of 90 kilometers today will lead to thousands more tomorrow – because for this administration, progress is not a destination, it is a continuous path.
Ondo is on the move, and together, we are building a future that works for everyone.
Hon. Kikelomo Isijola is Special Assistant on Digital Media.