Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said the second flyover in Akure, the state capital, is necessary to address worsening traffic congestion and improve mobility within the city.
Speaking during the flag-off of the flyover project, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project was conceived after careful studies and stakeholder engagement.
The Governor said the 2.38-kilometre project starting from Adegbola junction to Saint Matthias in Alagbaka is expected to ease traffic flow along one of the busiest routes in the state capital.
Responding to critics of the project, Aiyedatiwa stressed that the Akure project falls under essential infrastructure rather than unnecessary projects.
According to him, “Let me quickly remind all of us, especially those naysayers that never see anything good in what we are doing. This is not the kind of location Mr President was referring to when he said governors should stop building flyovers. This is not the kind.”
The governor said that President Tinubu’s comments had been taken out of context by his critics.
His words: “He said they should not erect them where they are unnecessary. So you must add the other side of his speech. Do not quote Mr President out of context. He said where it is necessary, you can do it. This one is more than necessary, and that is why we are doing it.”
He noted that the Oyemekun-Off Oba Adesida axis serves as a major commercial and administrative hub in Akure, connecting markets, financial institutions, schools, worship centres and residential communities.
According to him, increasing population growth, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent traffic congestion and heightened the risk of accidents along the corridor.
Aiyedatiwa also credited the Federal Government’s economic reforms for improving states’ financial capacity to embark on critical infrastructure projects.
Aiyedatiwa said: “Therefore, I want to thank Mr. President for the reforms that he has embarked upon that have allowed all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to access more money from the Federation Account. It is because we have the money that we are embarking on this project.”
The governor explained that upon completion, the flyover would reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, improve air quality and enhance Akure’s attractiveness to investors.
He described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to responsive governance, urban renewal and economic development.
The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade, in his speech, commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state capital, noting that Akure has witnessed significant growth under Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
The monarch expressed support for the flyover project, saying the initiative would further modernise the city and improve transportation for residents and businesses
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