By The Metro 
As part of efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and ease traffic congestion in Ondo State, the State Executive Council has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure and several road projects across the state.
The approvals were among the major decisions taken at the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the flyover project became necessary following traffic studies which identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) corridor as one of the busiest and most congested routes in the state.
According to him, the flyover will be constructed along Oba Adesida Road, stretching from Adegbola Junction to the St. Matthias/NNPC Filling Station area in Alagbaka.
He said preliminary surveys would commence immediately following the council’s approval ahead of the commencement of construction works.
He disclosed that the council also approved the canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye, including a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Other approved projects include the construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities, Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road, Bayo Phillips Road, Araromi Seaside Road and selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.
Additional road projects approved by the council are the Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road, Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road, Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road, access and internal roads within the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, as well as selected roads across Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Areas.
The State Executive Council further approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway, the construction of the Oba–Ikun–Afo–Idoani Road, Imo Arigidi–Agbaluku Road and the rehabilitation of the Arigidi–Oke Agbe Road.
In the education sector, the council approved the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) to the University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Owo.
While speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the decision was driven by the increasing demand for university education in the state.
He noted that the institution, regarded as the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo State, would operate eight faculties covering agriculture, science, technology and engineering, with emphasis on practical training and innovation.
The council also approved the procurement of advanced radiodiagnostic and specialised medical equipment for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said the equipment includes MRI and CT scan machines, ultrasound and mammography units, static and mobile digital X-ray machines, 4D ultrasound systems and specialised theatre, ENT and ophthalmology equipment.
Ajaka said the intervention would strengthen healthcare delivery and support medical training in the state.
Also approved was the release of counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam project.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project, currently about 40 per cent completed, would significantly improve potable water supply to Akure and surrounding local government areas.
According to him, the project is being supported by development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the French Development Bank, and is expected to improve access to clean water, sanitation and public health.
The council also approved the appointment of Oba Samuel Odimayo as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the appointment followed longstanding requests from the community and would strengthen traditional leadership and promote peace and stability in the area.