'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in a major boost to rural infrastructure and agricultural development, has officially flagged off the construction of the 20-kilometer Obajana-Uro-Aku rural road, a project aimed at linking parts of Lokoja and Adavi Local Government Areas. The road project is part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), supported by the World Bank and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
The flagged-off road according to a statement by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor
is the first phase of an ambitious plan to construct over 65 kilometers of rural roads across Kogi State. Governor Ododo emphasized that these rural road networks are crucial to his administration’s development agenda, highlighting their potential to enhance transportation, promote rural economic growth, and improve food security in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Apata, near Obajana, Governor Ododo stressed the importance of the road to farmers, traders, and local communities. He noted that the rural road would provide much-needed access to farms and markets, creating a seamless link between agricultural production areas and economic opportunities. According to the Governor, improving rural infrastructure is part of his broader strategy to bring governance closer to the people in local communities and foster sustainable development.
Governor Ododo also called on the communities benefiting from the project to take ownership and ensure the road is well-maintained once completed. He warned contractors handling the construction against diverting project funds and urged them to maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism to deliver the project on schedule.
The State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engineer Abdulmutalib Mohammed, noted that the rural road will significantly benefit farmers by reducing transportation costs and improving accessibility to markets for both farmers and traders. He added that the project is designed to ease the movement of agricultural products, thereby boosting the state's agricultural economy.
In her remarks, Mrs. Joy Amadi, representing the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Aminu Bodinga, commended Governor Ododo’s dedication to rural development. She noted that the road would enhance connectivity, providing rural dwellers with access to markets, social services, and other opportunities that had previously been out of reach.
State Coordinator of the project, Sheidu Obansa, also emphasized the transformative potential of the rural roads, stating that they would open up communities to new opportunities and further promote agricultural development in Kogi State.
Traditional rulers, including the Olu of Oworo, Muhammed Adoga Baiyerohi, praised Governor Ododo’s initiative, noting that the project would significantly boost agricultural development and reduce vehicular congestion along the Obajana road. Other community leaders also expressed gratitude, highlighting the positive impact the project will have on the lives of rural dwellers, many of whom rely on farming and trading for their livelihoods.
The Obajana-Uro-Aku rural road is set to provide a major catalyst for economic and social transformation in Kogi State’s rural areas, improving the lives of thousands of residents and strengthening the state’s agricultural sector.