By Friday Omosola
On Monday, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inaugurated the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads spanning a total of 209.77 km.
This initiative he said underscores his administration’s commitment to linking the state’s agricultural hinterlands with urban markets, thereby bolstering food security.
The governor in a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye said the projects are being undertaken as part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The governor said over the past five years, his administration has allocated a minimum of N4 billion in counterpart funding for this initiative.
RAAMP is a collaborative effort funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, with the state government contributing counterpart funds.
Governor AbdulRazaq noted that this investment, amounting to N19,404,220,675.55, aims to provide significant benefits to the people of Kwara State.
The road projects include Alapa-Hoko (0.7km); Madi-Peke (17.5km); Mandala-Yowere-Agbonna (12.485 km); Gerewu-Eiyekorin- Okoolowo Expressway (3.07km); Panada-Oloro ((5.43km); Inaja-Alaro-Inaja Maliki (6.22km); Ijagbo-Aperun-Adeleke- Igbawere (6.85km); Kpandarako-Ginda- Kusomunu- Kachitako- Tsakpata Lealea- Gulufu Bacita (22.89km); and Lafiagi- Effagi – Putata road (9.53km).
Others are Oko Olowo- SokotoTafatafa -Elere-Owode Oja- Baba Kudu- Akopari- Otte Oja road (23.23km); Odo Ode- Soliu-Arogun-Ikotun-Oke Amin-Rondo- Offa road (22.08km); Babanla-Budo Idowu-Alasoro-Owode- Shagbe (10.53km); Kpada-Gakpan (9.58km); and Yakiru-Tabiru-Kenu rural road (59.69km).
“This flag-off for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads spanning 209.77km and connecting 16 local government areas is the fruit of huge investment, strategic planning, our commitment to rural-urban development and food security, and our drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,” the Governor said in Ilorin.
AbdulRazaq emphasised that the RAAMP project is a pivotal step in the government’s commitment to transforming rural infrastructure to promote agricultural development throughout the state.
The governor expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) for their financial support, as well as to the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for effectively coordinating RAAMP activities across Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq also announced that the government will soon initiate the awarding of contracts for the construction of three Agro-logistics Centres, strategically located in each senatorial district (Ajase-Ipo, Alapa, and Kaiama), along with additional rural roads that will extend into other local government areas.
“On assumption of office in 2019, our administration immediately paid the first tranche of the counterpart fund. Between 2019 and now, our government has paid the sum of Four Billion, Twenty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Naira (N4,026,891,000) as a counterpart fund. No amount was paid before 2019,” he said.
He urged contractors and consultants to complete these projects within the established timelines and design specifications, while also encouraging host communities to actively support this initiative.
“To ensure these roads endure through quality maintenance, I have signed the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF) bills into law. Additionally, I have approved the formation of the Agency’s Boards,” he added.
Senator Ashiru, representing other National Assembly members from the state, noted that many states in the federation, except for Kwara, have long benefited from the RAAMP intervention due to the failure of previous administrations in the state to meet the necessary obligations.
He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for fulfilling the payment of counterpart funds, a crucial requirement for accessing the grant, praising him as a champion of the people.
Danladi described the project as yet another commendable initiative of the administration that will significantly improve access to farm produce and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
Abdulquawiy Olododo, the Commissioner for Works, expressed gratitude to the Governor and other key stakeholders for their unwavering efforts that brought this day to fruition, emphasizing that the project will enhance connectivity, spur economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
“For this year 2024, not less than 170 road projects have been embarked upon across Kwara State with at least 65% of them already completed while others are progressing at an appreciable pace,” Olododo added.
The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo, said the government’s investments in rural road infrastructure and agro-logistics facilities showed that the Governor is visionary, goal-oriented and passionate about the people’s well-being.
