Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday commissioned the Onyearugbulem–Shagari/Irese Road Flyover and Junction Improvement Project in Akure, Ondo State, describing the project as a major infrastructure boost expected to improve traffic flow and stimulate economic growth in the area.
The flyover, located along the Ilesha–Akure–Owo Expressway, is the first ever constructed in the Ondo State’s capital city.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Shettima said the project would help ease long-standing traffic congestion, improve road safety and support industrial and commercial activities along the busy corridor.
He commended the Ondo State government for what he described as a strategic intervention at a critical transportation hub, stressing that quality infrastructure remains essential for sustainable development and regional integration.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who hosted the event alongside Dapo Abiodun, described the flyover as a landmark achievement for the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the project was designed to tackle years of severe traffic congestion and recurring accidents at the Onyearugbulem–Shagari and Akure–Benin Expressway intersection, a major gateway into the South-West region.
He noted that the area had long been notorious for gridlock, delays and road crashes, all of which negatively affected economic activities and commuters.
The governor explained that the project was initiated under the administration of late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and completed by his administration in continuation of the state’s infrastructure development agenda.
Key Highlights:
- Kashim Shettima commissioned the Onyearugbulem–Shagari/Irese Road Flyover in Akure, describing it as a major infrastructure project to improve traffic flow and economic activities.
- The flyover, located along the Ilesha–Akure–Owo Expressway, is the first ever constructed in Akure.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the project was built to reduce traffic congestion, delays, and frequent accidents at a major gateway into the South-West region.
- The governor revealed that the flyover was initiated by late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and completed by his administration as part of ongoing infrastructure development efforts.
- Aiyedatiwa announced the flyover would be renamed the Reuben Fasoranti Flyover in honour of Reuben Fasoranti on his 100th birthday, while also highlighting over 100km of rehabilitated roads across Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa also announced that the flyover would now be known as the Reuben Fasoranti Flyover, in honour of Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, who turned 100 on Monday.
The governor said his administration had intensified road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state within the last year, listing ongoing and completed projects including the dualisation of Akure–Idanre Road, Akungba–Ikare Road, Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road and College Road in Igbokoda.
He added that more than 100 kilometres of roads had also been rehabilitated across the three senatorial districts of the state.
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Aiyedatiwa praised the engineers, consultants and contractors involved in the project, noting that the flyover was largely executed by indigenous professionals.
He also thanked residents of Akure for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction period, assuring that the infrastructure would serve future generations.
Several dignitaries, including traditional rulers, security chiefs and members of the Ondo State Executive Council, attended the commissioning ceremony.
