As the All Progressives Congress (APC) brings the Renewed Hope 2.0 presidential campaign to Akure, all eyes are on Ondo State. This visit highlights a powerful wave of transformative federal and state development projects championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Spanning modern transportation networks, healthcare, education, aviation, and rural development, these initiatives underscore a shared commitment to boosting connectivity, elevating public services, and fueling economic prosperity across the state. These achievements take center stage as the party engages residents on governance delivery and the Renewed Hope Agenda on the road to the 2027 general elections.
Major Federal Infrastructure Projects in Ondo State
The Ondo State Government and federal partners have fast-tracked several high-impact infrastructure projects to revolutionize commerce, mobility, and regional trade:
- Ore-Ondo-Akure Road Dualisation: A vital commercial artery linking Odigbo, Ondo West, and Ondo East local government areas. Backed by an approved Federal Executive Council budget of approximately ₦153 billion, this project enhances road safety and slashes travel hurdles.
- Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin Expressway: A critical interstate trade corridor connecting Ondo with Osun and Edo states, as well as Owo and Ose communities. Despite funding headwinds, Federal Works Minister David Umahi has prioritized keeping the corridor motorable and active.
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Approximately 71 kilometers of this landmark national highway cuts through Ese-Odo and Ilaje LGAs, dramatically opening up coastal fishing and maritime hubs to broader economic opportunities.
- Akure-Ado Ekiti Road (including Akure-Iju): Bridges the gap between Ondo and Ekiti, ensuring smoother interstate transit for businesses and commuters.
- Ekiti-Akoko Road: Strengthens regional integration and community access across the shared borders.
Advancing Healthcare, Aviation, and Human Capital
Beyond roads, the Tinubu administration is laying down robust pillars for specialized training and youth empowerment:
- FUTA Teaching Hospital: A proposed facility designed to advance specialized medical care and local training, sparing residents long-distance trips for advanced healthcare.
- College of Aviation: Set to spark technical education, skill acquisition, and lucrative career paths for Ondo’s youth in the aviation sector.
- Federal Social Intervention Programmes: Financial reliefs and empowerment schemes providing a safety net for households, vulnerable citizens, and small business owners statewide.
- Federal Representation: Growing strategic appointments of Ondo indigenes into national leadership roles, amplifying the state’s voice at the federal level.
State-Led Development via FAAC & Internal Revenue
While federal projects anchor the rally’s spotlight, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration continues to drive aggressive grassroots development fueled by Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenues, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and strategic fiscal management.
Between January and June 2024, Ondo State received roughly ₦65.4 billion, alongside ₦35.3 billion distributed across its 18 local governments. These funds are translating into tangible dividends:
1. Road Infrastructure & Rural Connectivity
- Ongoing major routes include the Oke-Aro to Idanre road, Akungba to Ikare road, and the Okitipupa to Igbokoda dualisation.
- The rural roads initiative has successfully upgraded 386 kilometers of roads statewide.
- Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate ensures at least 5 kilometers of new roads per LGA, backed by State Executive Council approvals for an additional 101 kilometers.
2. Education & Healthcare Renewals
- Education: Fully renovated 134 primary schools (approx. ₦6.7 billion) and 60 secondary schools (approx. ₦3.1 billion) to foster world-class learning environments.
- Healthcare: Expanded contributory health schemes, hospital upgrades, medical recruitment, and the construction of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical-grade warehouse for secure drug distribution.
3. Water Supply & Coastal Access
- Rehabilitated water schemes across Oke-Igbo, Oba Akoko, Idoani, Okitipupa, Ilutitun, and Araromi-Obu, alongside attention to the Owena Multipurpose Dam.
- Targeted investments in jetties and walkways to improve mobility for riverine communities.
Capitalizing on Growth: The 2026 Budget Blueprint
To accelerate this momentum, Ondo State’s initial 2026 budget proposal of ₦492.8 billion—featuring 57% dedicated to capital expenditure (with ₦131.9 billion pumped directly into infrastructure)—was subsequently revised upward to ₦769.4 billion. This expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to supercharge infrastructure, public health, and water security.
As 2027 approaches, these concrete developmental milestones stand as proof of effective governance. The APC’s Renewed Hope 2.0 campaign offers a timely platform to celebrate these strides and map out an even brighter future for the Sunshine State.
