Following Monday’s protest by residents and motorists over the deplorable condition of the Ijoka Road in Akure, the Ondo State Government has assured that the contractor handling the project will soon return to site.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Communication and Strategy, Allen Sowore, said the government understands the concerns of residents and commended them for their patience and endurance despite the prolonged hardship caused by the bad road.
Sowore explained that the Oluwatuyi–Ijoka Road project had recently been re-awarded by the State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, after a technical review and cost adjustment caused by inflation and other economic realities.
“Now that the road project has been re-awarded, residents can rest assured that the contractor will soon remobilize to site and expedite work to ensure timely completion,” he stated.
He noted that the rehabilitation of over 101 kilometres of roads had been approved across the state under the governor’s renewed infrastructure push, adding that Ijoka remains a priority due to its importance to Akure’s transportation network.
Sowore appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperate with both the government and the contractor, assuring that the administration is determined to complete all inherited projects, including those initiated by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
His assurance comes just hours after residents of Ijoka and adjoining communities blocked the busy route to protest the worsening condition of the road—an incident that left commuters stranded for hours.
The government’s renewed commitment, many hope, will finally bring an end to the frustration that sparked Monday’s demonstration.
