Ondo gov unveils 32.7km road in riverine community

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, unveiled the newly rehabilitated 32.7km Alape-Araromi Seaside road in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the road project was carried out by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.

Unveiling the project at Alape Junction, Aiyedatiwa stated that his administration was committed to the development of riverine communities, especially the oil-producing areas of the state.

He stressed that the government’s ongoing efforts to transform the oil-producing areas through critical infrastructure projects are aimed at alleviating long-standing challenges.

The governor said: “Our aim is to improve essential facilities, including roads, electricity, clean water, land reclamation, and shoreline protection, with a view to reducing or eliminating the long-standing challenges that our communities face in this region. All these are geared towards making life more bearable for our people in the riverine areas of the state.

“Today, it is evident that this road is already positively impacting the lives of the people, as envisioned by our administration. Our government’s focus is on projects that bring positive change and improve the well-being of all residents.

“The mandate areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo have experienced significant growth, marked by several remarkable projects. These include, but are not limited to, the construction of a 1,000-metre concrete walkway with jetties at Obe Nla, the 28.5km Aboto – Atijere Road, a mini water treatment scheme at Molutehin, and the establishment of the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Ugbonla.

“Moving forward, our government has put in place plans to commence other developmental projects. These include the construction of the 4.72km Ugbonla – Erunna Road with a bridge across the Erunna River; the distribution of 2,000 electricity prepaid meters; and the construction of concrete landing jetties in 18 communities across Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs.”

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Secretary of OSOPADEC, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, stated that there had been a transformative impact of the new infrastructure on the lives of people in the oil-producing areas of Ondo State.

She commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to developing the riverine communities and prioritising projects that directly improve the quality of life for residents.

“This road is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a lifeline for our communities, connecting us to economic opportunities and enhancing access to essential services,” she stated.

She acknowledged the governor’s dedication to supporting OSOPADEC’s vision and for enabling the commission to execute its mandate of fostering sustainable development across the oil-producing areas.