Kogi State Governor Flags Off Construction of 20KM Obajana-Uro-Aku Rural Road to Boost Rural Access and Economic Growth
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially flagged off the construction of a 20-kilometer rural road connecting Obajana, Uro, and Aku communities, a critical link between Lokoja and Adavi local government areas. The project, launched at a ceremony in Apata near Obajana, marks the commencement of the first phase of a more extensive 65-kilometer rural road network, designed to facilitate farm access, enhance agricultural marketing, and promote food security across the state.
This project is part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a collaborative effort supported by the World Bank , AFD and various stakeholders in the agricultural development sector. It aims to bridge the access gap between farming communities and their markets, a vital step in driving food security and agricultural productivity in Kogi State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo emphasized the essential role of rural infrastructure in his administration’s development agenda. “These rural roads are not just transport links; they are lifelines that connect our farmers, traders, and communities, fostering economic growth and food security,” he stated.
Governor Ododo also assured that the road projects would bring essential services closer to rural communities, enhancing connectivity and enabling local economies to thrive.
The Governor urged the benefiting communities to embrace and protect the project, emphasizing community ownership. He issued a strict directive to contractors, cautioning them against mismanagement of project funds and urging them to uphold integrity and professionalism in the project’s execution.
Earlier, Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engineer Abdulmutalib Mohammed, highlighted the benefits to the farming community, noting that the new roads will reduce transportation costs and improve accessibility for farmers and traders alike. “This road will reduce transportation costs, enhance accessibility, and enable farmers to reach markets more efficiently,” said the Commissioner.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Aminu Bodinga, represented by Mrs. Vivian Amadi, in his goodwill message commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to rural development. “The Governor’s unwavering dedication to rural progress will bring new opportunities for connectivity, market access, and social services to communities that have long needed them,” she remarked. State Coordinator of RAAMP, Sheidu Obansa, added that the road network would expose rural communities to growth opportunities and significantly boost agricultural development in the state. Traditional leaders, including the Olu of Oworo, Muhammed Adoga Baiyerohi, expressed gratitude for the project, recognizing its impact on reducing traffic congestion along the Obajana road and enhancing local agricultural potential.
The flag-off event gathered local leaders, stakeholders, and community members, who all lauded the initiative as a timely and transformative intervention for the state’s predominantly agrarian communities.