by Yomi Adebayo
As part effort to consolidate on its impressive record of infrastructural development, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on assumption of office in 2009 till date has constructed over 1,300km of roads, which include Channelization, Rehabilitation and Dualization. It is essential to state that most of these roads have long been abandoned.
Sixty-seven (67) road projects were ongoing at different stages of completion in the State at that the inception of this administration; covering 875.914.km and out of which 420.35km were done up to surface dressed level leaving 168.42km outstanding. The dualization of the 1st Bank- Government House road and the dualization of the Fiwasaye — Akure/Ilesha Express Way, the dualization of Cathedral- Isikan—Army Barracks were paved with asphalt, the rest were surface dressed.
These were without the necessary road furniture such as streetlights and bus shelters.
The initial Oba-Adesida road dualization constructed in 1977, ended at Ilesha garage, but the immediate past administration extended it up to Chicken Republic area. Again it was without the necessary road furniture.
The liabilities were legion as the various road projects were not only surface dressed but were lacking basic road furniture such as streetlight and bus shelters.
Again, the Oba Adesida road from Chicken Republic up to Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure, even though had street lights but were dysfunctional, substandard and was not in sync with modern realities as at that time.
The first intervention to bridge the infrastructural gap was to make deliberate efforts to lay asphalt on all surface dressed roads by the immediate past administration feeling that dressed road were not too good for the people.
In fact, the sub-standard street lights on the Isinkan – Ondo road and other road projects which were not functional at that time were removed. Efforts were made to complete the two road dualization projects ongoing then Fiwasaye to Akure/Ondo/Ilesha Expressway and the dualization of Cathedral – Isinkan – Barrack roads.
These roads ought to have been attended to because, The Fiwasaye – Akure/Ondo/Ilesha Express Way was constructed in 1977 with a life span of 25 years which means, it should have been revisited since 2002 and nothing of such was done by the previous administration. The traffic grid lock around Oja – Oba market was already becoming unbearable such that people were already suggesting the need for a flyover, whereas traffic management system (which was later put in place by Mimiko’s administration) would solve the problem.
There were already flooding in many parts of the road structures especially during raining season and this was caused by the un-serviceability of the hydraulic structures and development of adjoining structures over time that impeded the flow of the Channels. It should also be noted that most of these areas were uninhabited as at the year 1977.
The magnitude of works to be done seemed overwhelming because channelization of water which hitherto was causing blockage around segments of the roads alone were to be done in places like National Bank Area, Old Owo Motor Park/Iyeoma Plaza area, Nigerian Airways Area, Ilesha road and Ade Super Hotel Area. Also, Asphalt overlay of the entire 9.5km road, Provision of Bus Shelters, Re – engineering and construction “of the entire hydraulic, structures to cope with the increased volumetric demands of the moment, Provision of street lights powered by both public electricity and generators, Construction of new median and walkways, Beautification Of the median and side lawns needed to be done immediately.
Leadership is not a popularity contest; it is about envisioning lofty goals for the people and making hard choices to attain them. The almighty Nepa – Arakale road which transverses through the heart of Akure with a lot of sacred places was dualized. This was a bit difficult for previous administrations for lack of political will.
It is on record that the government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko met only 2 dualized roads in 2009 but has increased to 8 dualized roads.
In the history of Nigeria. Conflict always ensue when trying to redevelop an ancient city or the downtown area of a city and the reason is not far fetched. The caring heart government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko started by inaugurating a committee to look into the needs of the people regarding the issue of compensation to be paid to owners of properties affected by the road project. Regardless of whether their building plan was approved by government or not. When the people saw his sincerity of purpose, they keyed into it and government paid compensation to all involved and as such the stage was set for a rancor–free reconstruction of Nepa – Arakale road project.
Mimiko is not resting on his oars. He has been moving from one community to another channelizing, rehabilitating and dualising roads many which have been long abandoned.
Recently, he commissioned a 27.55km Ajagba-Iyansan road the in Irele LGA, putting an end to decades of neglect of the road
The largest plantation of the Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc and indeed the largest oil palm plantation in West Africa is sited along this route, infact, the road passes through the plantation. One of the factors that have over the years affected the production cost of the company is the cost of transportation of harvested palm fruits through the waterways, in the absence of this road over the years and which has resulted in the illegal occupation of the farm by unscrupulous persons.
Governor Mimiko government’s avowed and renewed commitment to welfare, sensitivity and empathy for the people is proven unalloyed through all his human developmental and life changing projects
At the commissioning of the long-abandoned Ajagba-Iyansan road recently, he reiterated his commitment to always work for the people saying they have fulfilled their part in ensuring the success of his government at polls making it imperative for his government to fulfill all promises made.
“During the electioneering campaigns, we sought for your vote of confidence for our party which you overwhelmingly did, we made promises then to always work for you, and today we are back celebrating the actualization of this promise.
“It is a statement of fact that you stood in the sun and in the rain to vote for us, in the last seven years, you have also seen me in the sun and in the rain traversing the length and breadth of this state working for you and our people and because I remember that you voted for us in the sun and in the rain, I cannot hide under the canopy when it is my turn to fulfill my part. That is why today, you are well seated under the canopy while I am in the sun” Mimiko said”
Residents of Irele who attended the commissioning in hundreds spoke thus:
“This road was bad before now. It was not motorable but now we thank God for bringing Governor Mimiko. He has put smiles on our faces” Queen Ayedara, a Food vendor Ajagba said.
A motorist, Tayo Akindutire operating along the road said “This road was terrible, not motorable at all. Now that it has been completed, it takes less than 20 minutes traveling from Ajagba to Iyansan. A trip that could take over 1 hour when the road was bad”
“I want to thank God for bringing Governor Mimiko. This road was very bad but now it is good and we are very happy” Ilelaboye Agboola, a resident, said.
“We thank Governor Mimiko for constructing Ajagba-Iyansan Road. It was terrible road with lots of potholes now everyone is enjoying it. We are very happy” Adetoye Igbekele,
Also, Ilesanmi Obajulaye, a farmer and resident of Ajagba said” The road was not in Good condition at all. Now that it has been completed it will bring development to Ajagba and the entire Irele Local Government”
And in the last seven years, it has indeed been unprecedented in terms on road construction in Ondo state. Mimiko government has built the understated roads:
ONDO NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
LIST OF ROAD PROJECTS INHERITED BY MIMIKO ADMINISTRATION
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Idoani-Idogun-Imeri road (18.0 km)
· Construction of Imeri Bridge (Over Ose River)
· Rehabilitation of Oke Oka – Okia Oka (1.5 km)
· Construction of Gedegede bridge
· Rehabilitation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Internal roads (5.335 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ayegunle – Iwaro – Ebo (7.05 km)
· Rehabilitation of Oba – Akoko-Ikun-Afo-idoani (1.9 km)
· Rehabilitation of Oka-Agbe-Afin-Ese-Irun Ogbagi road (18.41 km)
· Rehabilitation of Emure-Eporo road (10.73km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Akungba-Oka-Epinmi-Isua (26 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ikare Township Roads Zone A (18.575 km)
LIST OF ROADS PROJECTS INITIATED BY MIMIKO ADMINISTRATION (ONDO NORTH)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Oka Township road (10.45 km)
· Construction and asphalt overlay of Adekunle Ajasin University roads, Akungba Akoko (9.073 km)
· Dualization of Owo Township road (10.2 km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Akoko Axis, phase 1 (17.84 km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Owo/Ose Axis (10.79 km)
· Re construction of Twin Box Culvert (4 locations) and Channelization of Ijala stream (750m) altogether in Owo Township
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ikare-Ajowa-Ondo State Boundary (29 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ikare-Ugbe-Ise Akoko/Ugbe Alapata Regional Market-First Bank Road (10 km)
· Rehabilitation of Supare Township Roads (4.23 km)
· Asphalt Overlay of Existing surface dressed roads in Akoko phase II (18.985 km)
· Asphalt Overlay of Roads in Owo/Ose Axis phase II (4.1 km)
ONDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL
LIST OF INHERITED ROAD PROJECT
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Oba –Ile/Ijapo Housing –Estate roads (12.8314 km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ipogun/Ilara Spur Igbara Oke/Ibuji/Owena junction road (11.0 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ondo – Laje road (27.2 km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Irese – Shagari road (9.0 km)
· Rehabilitation of INEC/WAEC – Elshaddi (4.2 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ayede – Ogbese – Ago Dada phase II (Earth road ) 25.0 km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of FUTA – Awule road (5.15 km)
· Rehabilitation of Iju/Itaogbolu/Ayede Ogbese roads (12.119 km)
· Dualization of Fiwasaiye Grammar School – Ilesha/Owo road (3.026 km)
· Dualization of Oba Adesida – Isinkan – 4 km Ondo Road (4.15km)
LIST OF INITIATED ROAD PROJECTS (Ondo Central)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ondo Township road phase I (14.2km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Akure Towwship roads phase III (18.28 km)
· Dualiztion of mobil junction – Oba Ile – Owode – Akure Airport junction (8.95km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ilesha Expressway junction – Oyemekun -Oba Adesida – Fiwasaiye junction (9.3 km )
· Dualization of Itanla-Ademulegun R/A – surulere – Idishin – Akure Garage, Ondo (9.75 km)
· Rehabilitation of Federal High Court road, Akure (0. 2 m)
· Construction of Moferere Market roads, Ondo (1.62 km)
· Construction of Oda road junction – Kajola – Davoc road, Akure (3.34 km)
· Construction of Access road to Adaba F.M. Station (1.609 km)
· Dualization of NEPA – Ararkale – Isinkan road (2.25 km)
· Construction of Twin cell Box and 250m reinforced concrete channel at Lipakala road
· Construction of Twin Box Culvert and channelization of Elegbin stream on Oke Aro road, Akure
· Asphalt, Overlay of Ondo Axis phase II (9.916 km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Akure Axis (4.2 km)
· Re-construction of Olisaro/Powerline- SholaGbade street spur Deji Aliu Street, Akure (2.7 km)
· Asphalt Overlay of Oke-Aro/Cash hold – Adofure road (7.11km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Olokuta Prison/the Ondo State Civil Service Commission
· access roads and premises (2.15 km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ijomu – Oke –Ijebu road, Akure (3.82 km)
· Construction/Asphalt Overlay of Ayetoro – Oke Ijebu/Mega School road, Akure (0.42 km)
· Rehabilitation of Ibule road, Akure (1.49 km)
· Construction of Internal road network at Ilekun Housing Estate, Oda road, Akure (1.418 km)
· Rehabilitation of Access road to Royal Birds Motel/Kayode Adinlewa, Alagbaka, Akure (1.44 km)
· Construction/Rehabilitation of Ijapo Estate roads (2.817 km)
· Rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo Township Group III (7.111 km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Akure Axis phase II (24.978 km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Laje junction – NIEPA Road, Ondo (3.2 km)
· Rehabilitation of Atibiti layout road, Ijapo, Akure (2.984 km).
SOUTHERN SENATORIAL
DISTRICT
1. LIST OF INHERITED ROAD PROJECTS
· Ore-Odigbo Road (10.69Km)
· Akinfosile/Erekiti- Ayede-Ayila (4.577Km)
· Ajue-Oro-Aponla road (12.90km)
· Ore extension (5.712Km)
· Olo Junction-lgborowo-Temidire-Alaya mesan road (14km)
· Ajagba-iju Osun—Akotogbo (17.205km)
· Ode-Aye — lgbotako (12.5km)
· Ondo State University of Technology
Okitipupa (7.579Km)
2. LIST OF INITIATED ROAD PROJECTS
· Araromi Obu —Oniparaga (16.00km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Southern Senatorial
· Axis (Okitipupa/Obonde) (7.545km)
· Asphalt Overlay in Southern Senatorial
· Axis ll (Omotosho/llutitun) (21 .40km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of lrele Township Road (5.2km)
· Dualization of igbokoda Township Main Road (2.5km)
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of Ajagba lyansan Road (27.55km)
· Construction of Roads in Gboluji Grammar School lle-Oluji (1.47km)
· Reconstruction of Culvert at Moferere along Alog Road lle-Oluji
· Asphalt Overlay in lle-Oluji Axis (5km )
· Asphalt overlay of surface dressed Road in Southern Senatorial District,Axis
· Rehabilitation of Okitipupa – Erinje Obonde
· Road Southern Senatorial District (12.75km)
· Rehabilitation of Ore Township Road (6.46km)
· Asphalt overlay of surface dressed Road in Ile- Oluji Axis, Ondo State (3.85km)
· Construction of Igbesin Oloto – Igbo Egunrin Mahintedo junction
· Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of Ajue – Oro – Aponla (12.90km)
The outcome of the above enables reduction in travel time for the people, enhances the security of lives and properties within the town especially when the traffic light is in place, increases the lifespan of the vehicles thereby motorists spend less on maintenance of vehicles, and impacts positively in the socio – economic wellbeing of the town.
Governor Mimiko has made it clear to the people of Ondo state that the entire major roads project embarked by his administration will be completed despite the current financial challenges being experienced in the country which is affecting all the states of the federation.
