Ondo Government to Revive Abandoned Projects as Part of Urban Renewal Plan

The Ondo State Government has announced its intention to revisit and complete several abandoned projects across the state, beginning with the long-abandoned Modern Banquet Complex in Alagbaka, Akure. The initiative is part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s broader strategy for urban regeneration and infrastructure optimisation.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration is prioritising the elimination of incomplete public structures in order to reduce resource wastage and enhance the aesthetic and functional value of the state capital. The Modern Banquet Complex, initiated by former Governor Dr Olusegun Agagu nearly two decades ago, has remained abandoned since 2007 and is now being reconsidered for completion and repurposing.

During a recent inspection of the site, located adjacent to the Governor’s Office Complex in Alagbaka, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, stated that the state government is currently reviewing the original contract and technical components of the project, which was awarded approximately 20 years ago.

He noted that ongoing urban renewal projects around the Alagbaka Government Reserved Area (GRA) have made it imperative to revisit the structure. The review process, he said, will inform the government’s decision on the most suitable use for the facility upon completion.

Preliminary efforts, including site clearance, are underway to facilitate a structural integrity test on the abandoned building. The outcome of this assessment will guide the next phase of the project’s rehabilitation and potential reconfiguration for public benefit.

The move aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable development and efficient utilisation of public infrastructure.