Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday, flagged-off the construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway and a jetty at Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ilaje, Aiyedatiwa expressed happiness that he inaugurated the impactful project in his country home.
The governor said the community’s long standing demand for a durable and safe concrete walkway had been long overdue.
According to him, the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to improving quality of life of residents in the state.
“This moment is unique in several respects. Firstly, it is for me a historic homecoming to flag-off an important project like this in my
own community, here in Obe-Nla as the governor of Ondo state.
”I thank Almighty God for this rare honour in fulfilment of just one of His numerous purposes for me as a man who hails from this community,” he said.
The governor highlighted the project’s innovative engineering design, adding that it was departure from the traditional wooden walkways prevalent in the region.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to the overall development of Ondo state, stating that other key projects were underway.
The governor said that the completion of the 28.5-kilometer Aboto-Atijere road, the third phase of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro road construction and the imminent commencement of a 4.72-kilometer link road between Ugbonla and Ayetoro were on course.
According to the governor, the projects are expected to significantly enhance socio-economic activities and address critical challenges such as the Ayetoro sea incursion.
“We have deliberately factored durability into the project and daily safety and comfort of our people as they make use of the concrete walkway and jetty to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa praised the collaboration with service providers to ensure availability of pre-paid meters, enhancing electricity access in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
The governor assured residents that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) would receive the statutory 40 per cent of the 13 per cent Oil Derivation Fund to expedite ongoing and future projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
Aiyedatiwa later expressed gratitude to the community for their support, loyalty and commitment of the people to his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Earlier in his welcome address, the OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, said that the contract for the project was awarded in August 2023.
Erejuwa, however, said due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed.
“Now, it’s finally becoming a reality, God’s timing is perfect,” he said.
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The traditional ruler of the host community, Oba Andrew Kolawole, said that the project would significantly boost the economic development of the fishing communities.
He expressed the community’s deep appreciation for the governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the riverine areas.
Some residents of the Community, Olajide Samson and Biodun Adelarin, who lauded Aiyedatiwa for being sensitive to their plights, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. (NAN)
