Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday flagged off the construction of 12.5 kilometers Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri rural farm road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The project, the government revealed, comes under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ajaokuta, Governor Ododo said the project signified a bold declaration of his administration’s unbending commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, and the transformation of agriculture in the State.
He emphasized that the section of Ajaokuta Local Government links clusters of farming communities contributing to food security in the state, noting the essence of nipping the challenges of transportation in the bud.
“This project aligns seamlessly with the core objectives of RAAMP: to improve rural connectivity, enhance agricultural value chain efficiency, promote market access, and reduce poverty and post-harvest losses in rural areas.
“This flag-off is part of wider intervention strategies as an administration to open up rural roads in line with our campaign promises. Construction and rehabilitation works are already underway across several RAAMP-designated corridors in the state. In Kogi East Senatorial District, roads such as Elubi–Etiaja in Dekina, Odidoko–Ugbamaka in Olamaboro, and others are being worked on, covering a total of 185.07 kilometers. In Kogi Central Senatorial District, interventions cover roads like Aku–Uro–Obajana in Adavi and Emmco–Umuaga in Okene, totaling 105.06 kilometers. In Kogi West Senatorial District, roads including Ilai–Ifeolukotun in Yagba-East and Ikoyi–Iyara in Ijumu span 110.4 kilometers. These roads represent vibrant communities with real people, real needs, and real aspirations. Our administration is committed to meeting those aspirations.
“In furtherance of RAAMP’s holistic approach, Kogi State is also benefiting from market upgrades across all three senatorial districts, with projects in Aku Market in Kogi Central, Ajaka Market in Kogi East, and Aiyegunle Market in Kogi West. The even distribution of these development projects reflects our belief that every Kogite, regardless of location, deserves access to opportunity and economic empowerment,” he said.
Governor Ododo further recalled signing an agreement to join the Food for Lagos program, a rewarding project for farmers.
“What we are doing here today is a part of that drive to ensure our produce do not get destroyed in areas without access road. We will make the best of the opportunity by providing all the necessary supports, including infrastructure to support seamless movement of agricultural products from the farmlands to the markets,” he added.
He charged contractors to adhere strictly to approved specifications and timeliness, and further enjoined the host communities to be committed to contributing their supports in safeguarding public infrastructure and. work environment
“Our people have waited long enough. We will not tolerate substandard work or avoidable delays. Monitoring mechanisms are in place, and defaulters will be held accountable.”
