…says inclusive development will reach every part of Ondo State
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday commissioned the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road in Oka-Akoko and a cluster of road projects in Owo Local Government Area, declaring that road construction and rehabilitation remain at the heart of his administration’s development blueprint as it marks one year in office.
The Governor described the commissioning of the road projects as a major milestone in the activities marking his first anniversary, thanking God for what he called a remarkable achievement within a short period.
He stated that since assuming office, his administration had embarked on and completed numerous projects that had positively impacted residents, noting that the commissioning underscored his government’s resolve to deliver infrastructure that enhances the well-being of citizens.
He said the approximately six-kilometre Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road is a multi-million-naira project, designed and executed with quality materials to withstand daily traffic, including heavy-duty vehicles.
He described the corridor as critical to transportation in Akoko, serving as a strategic link for the movement of agricultural produce within and beyond the state.
Given the rich agricultural potential of Akokoland, he said improving the road became imperative to ensure farm produce reaches markets promptly and retains its economic value.
The Governor recalled that the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road was flagged off last year as part of broader infrastructural expansion in the axis, expressing confidence that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
In Owo, Governor Aiyedatiwa commissioned Opomulero Road, Iselu, and Isuada Road in a triple road commissioning ceremony.
He said the rehabilitation and construction of the roads symbolised the rekindling of hope, restoration of dignity, and steady progress across the state, noting that years of dilapidation had imposed hardship and constrained productivity.
According to him, the projects span 3.5 kilometres within the axis, including the construction and rehabilitation of Falodun Road, Kajola Road and Iselu–Isuada Road, thereby enhancing connectivity, stimulating commerce, reducing travel time and improving access within Owo town.
Reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that no community would be sidelined. He said his administration is guided by fairness, equity and shared prosperity in line with the OUR EASE policy thrust, adding that development strides have been recorded in roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and commerce.
He pledged sustained engagement with residents to build a peaceful and prosperous Ondo State where opportunities are accessible to all, urging communities to take ownership of the projects and guard them against misuse.
Through his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor also commissioned the upgraded Primary Health Care (PHC) facility and newly constructed staff quarters in Owo Local Government Area, describing the project as a testament to his administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare across the state.
He said the upgraded facility reflects government’s belief that healthcare must be accessible, affordable and continuous.
He noted that under the administration’s ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda, grassroots revitalisation of primary healthcare institutions has been prioritised, with 112 PHCs across the state undergoing structured upgrades, 51 of which have been completed.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the commissioning ceremonies reflected the administration’s firm commitment to infrastructural transformation within one year.
The commissioner urged residents to safeguard the roads and prevent vandalism, appreciating host communities for their cooperation during construction.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, appreciated the governor for initiatives such as transactional ambulances, a 24-hour solar-powered water system, and staff quarters for health centres.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, said in the history of the state and his years of service in the medical sector, this is the first time a governor is building staff quarters for health workers.
Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, expressed delight at receiving the governor for the fifth time in one year, describing the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road as a testament to purposeful leadership.
The Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government, Ibrahim Ahmed, said residents had initially doubted the prospect of meaningful development after the demise of the former governor, commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for proving them wrong.
The Olubaka of Oka, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, congratulated the governor on the 50th anniversary celebrations of Ondo State and described his first year in office as impactful.
He recalled that previous administrations failed to complete the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road, noting that a former governor, now of blessed memory, began the project but did not finish it, while successors also left it undone.
The monarch observed that though initiated by late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, a former governor from the Southern Senatorial District, it was completed by Aiyedatiwa, also from the Southern Senatorial District.
Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, appreciated the governor’s visit and the commissioning of projects.
He acknowledged the prominent appointments given to indigenes of Owo, including having their son as deputy governor.
The monarch commended improvements in road infrastructure and solar lighting, noting that economic activities now extend into the night.
In attendance were: the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; members of the State Executive Council; members of Ondo State House of Assembly; former House Reps member, Hon. Ade Adeogun; Director-General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Senator Remi Okunrinboye, traditional and religious leaders, among other dignitaries.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 20, 2026.
