Akure, June 3, 2026 – The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover in Akure, alongside the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a university, as part of a broader package of development initiatives across the state.
Briefing journalists after the council meeting on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover project was approved following traffic assessments that identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) corridor as a major congestion hotspot in the state capital.
He explained that the flyover will be situated along Oba Adesida Road, extending from Adegbola Junction to the St. Mattias/NNPC Filling Station area in Alagbaka.
According to him, the project was considered the most viable solution to recurring traffic bottlenecks along the route.
Olawoye said preliminary site surveys would begin immediately before full-scale construction commences.
He further disclosed that the council approved a number of road and infrastructure projects across various parts of the state.
These include the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, with a branch extending to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area, as well as the construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities and the Zion Pepe–Agerige township road.
Other approved projects include Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside Road, selected roads within Igboegunrin town, the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road and the Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road.
The council also approved the construction and rehabilitation of access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, in addition to selected roads in Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
Additional approvals covered the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, the construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road and Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road, as well as rehabilitation works on the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, announced that the council had approved the transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, into the University of Agricultural Science and Technology.
He said the move was driven by increasing demand for university education and would provide students with specialised training rooted in innovation, research and practical learning.
In the health sector, Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said approval was granted for the procurement of radiodiagnostic and other specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced the approval of the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Ode-Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
He expressed optimism that the appointment would contribute to stronger traditional institutions while fostering harmony and sustainable development within the community.