The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has assured residents of the mandate areas that the long-awaited Aboto–Atijere Road project will be completed in December 2026.
Poroye gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the ongoing project on Tuesday, stressing that both the Commission and the Ondo State Government remain committed to delivering the road despite earlier setbacks and challenges.
According to him, the project has become a top priority because of its economic, social, and security significance to the oil-producing communities.
“We thank God for strength. We thank God for passion. We thank God for energy. We had this strong determination that, regardless of the circumstances, the Aboto–Atijere Road will be delivered in December this year,” he said.
The OSOPADEC Chairman recalled that the project, awarded in 2019 with an expected completion period of 24 months, suffered delays due to administrative and funding challenges.
He noted, however, that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had revived the project through sustained support and intervention.
“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 stated.
He further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had intervened in resolving issues affecting the project and appealed to the contractor to ensure the road is connected from Aboto to Atijere ahead of asphalt laying.
Poroye explained that renewed attention to the project was also informed by recurring tensions between the Makun and Atijere communities, noting that improved accessibility would ease movement and promote peaceful coexistence.
He added that the Commission had consistently appealed for calm among residents while efforts were ongoing to amicably resolve lingering disputes.
According to him, only about seven kilometres remain between Akata Junction and Atijere, expressing confidence that the contractor would meet the December completion deadline.
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of LEE FAKINO Nigeria Limited, Chief Akindele Fajemiyo, attributed earlier delays on the project to inadequate funding.
He, however, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for assuring the company of adequate financial support to facilitate speedy completion of the road.
“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 the OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, the Commission’s management team, and youths from Aboto, Akata, and Atijere communities for providing security and cooperation throughout the construction process.
Also speaking, the Oloja of Akata, Chief Oke Olejagbo, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the OSOPADEC leadership for their commitment to the project, expressing optimism that the road would bring lasting relief and development to the affected communities.
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