Tinubu approves reconstruction of Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole road

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the long-awaited Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road, a major federal highway in Ekiti State, in a move expected to boost transportation, commerce and economic activities across the state.

The road project will be financed through the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project Fund, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving critical road infrastructure nationwide.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the approval was conveyed in a letter dated July 1, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji, with a copy sent to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

The latest approval comes barely seven months after construction commenced on the Itawure-Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti Road following an earlier approval by President Tinubu, further strengthening the Federal Government’s intervention in road infrastructure within the state.

The statement reads: “The Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road is regarded as one of the most strategic highways in Ekiti, serving as a vital link between the South-West and the Federal Capital Territory. The road also provides access to several key institutions and economic assets, including the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Federal Institute of Transport Technology.

“Despite its strategic importance, the highway has remained in a deplorable condition for years, with motorists and residents repeatedly lamenting its deterioration and calling for urgent government intervention.

“The approval is also seen as the fulfilment of a commitment reportedly made by President Tinubu during a recent meeting with Governor Oyebanji and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, where the President assured them that the road would be prioritised under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Programme.”

Speaking on the development, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for keeping his promise to intervene in the reconstruction of the road.

The governor described the approval as “another demonstration of the President’s commitment to the development of Ekiti State and his administration’s resolve to modernise infrastructure across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He noted that road infrastructure remains a central pillar of his administration’s development strategy, stressing that the state government has continued to invest heavily in expanding and rehabilitating road networks.

According to the governor, the state has constructed more than 285 kilometres of inter-city and intra-city roads, including the landmark 1.2-kilometre flyover in Ado-Ekiti.

He added that an additional 135 kilometres of rural roads have been delivered through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), while several other road projects awarded by the administration are at various stages of completion.

Oyebanji also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Federal Government and international development partners to accelerate road infrastructure development in line with the shared prosperity agenda. He expressed optimism that the reconstruction of the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road would significantly improve connectivity, stimulate investment and enhance socio-economic growth in Ekiti State.