Residents of Ondo State’s oil-producing communities have commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the renewed progress recorded on the long-delayed Aboto–Atijere Road project, as the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) assured that the road would be completed by December 2026.
The Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, gave the assurance on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing construction work, describing the project as critical to the economic growth, security and social development of the mandate areas.
Poroye said the Commission and the state government remained determined to complete the project despite earlier setbacks that slowed down work after the contract was awarded in 2019.
“We had this strong determination that, regardless of the circumstances, the Aboto–Atijere Road will be delivered in December this year,” he stated.
He explained that the road, originally scheduled for completion within 24 months, suffered delays due to administrative and funding challenges, but noted that the intervention of Governor Aiyedatiwa had revived the project.
According to him, the governor’s support and commitment had restored confidence in the completion of the road.
“This project ought to have been completed long ago. We believed that with a committed contractor, the backing of a focused governor, and a determined commission like OSOPADEC, this road should be delivered once and for all so that attention can shift to other developmental projects,” Poroye said.
The OSOPADEC chairman disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had stepped in to address challenges affecting the project and urged the contractor to ensure the road is linked from Aboto to Atijere before asphalt laying begins.
Poroye added that the project had become more urgent due to recurring tensions between the Makun and Atijere communities, expressing optimism that improved access would enhance peaceful coexistence and ease movement across the area.
He said only about seven kilometres remain between Akata Junction and Atijere, expressing confidence that the contractor would meet the completion deadline.
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of LEE FAKINO Nigeria Limited, Chief Akindele Fajemiyo, attributed the earlier delay in execution to inadequate funding.
He, however, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for assuring the company of adequate financial support to fast-track the project.
“The job was awarded in 2019, but due to paucity of funds, we were unable to make significant progress. However, with the coming of Mr Governor, the assurance is there that funding will no longer be a challenge, and we are determined to complete the project this year,” he said.
Fajemiyo assured residents that the road would be fully tarred from Aboto to Atijere before the end of the year.
He also appreciated the support of OSOPADEC, community leaders and youths from Aboto, Akata and Atijere for ensuring security and cooperation during the construction process.
Also speaking, the Oloja of Akata, Chief Oke Olejagbo, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa and the OSOPADEC management for sustaining work on the project, expressing optimism that the road would bring relief and accelerate development in the affected communities
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