The governor said on Monday, via the State Government Facebook post, that the road construction aims to strengthen food security within the state.
The flag-off ceremony for the 209.77km road project took place in Ilorin. The various road constructions will connect sixteen local governments in Kwara State.
Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) will oversee the project and recalled its previous deals.
The governor highlighted the importance and benefits of the road project, stating that the roads mark the fruit of huge investment and strategic planning, which will improve socioeconomic growth and create sustainable job opportunities.
Expounding on the aim of RAAMP, Governor AbdulRazaq said the projects align with the government’s commitment to revolutionizing rural infrastructure for agricultural development in the state.
The governor expressed gratitude to the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) for their support.
Additionally, he expressed his appreciation to the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for coordinating RAAMP in Nigeria.
Other projects to be awarded for contract include three Agro-logistics Centers, one in each senatorial district (Ajase-Ipo, Alapa, and Kaiama), and more rural roads that will spread to other LGAs.
Governor AbdulRazaq stated, “Upon assuming 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 (₦4,026,891,000) as a counterpart fund. No amount was paid before 2019.”
He advised the contractors and consultants to execute their projects within the timeframe and design specifications and appealed to the host communities for their unwavering support.
The state governor announced that he has signed the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF) bills into law and approved the constitution of the boards of the agency.
Senator Lola Ashiru highlighted the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration and praised the significant moves by the state government in accessing funds.
Noting the importance of the development, Yakubu Saliu remarked that the project will ease the burden on farmers during harvest and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, said the initiative will enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
He said, “For the year 2024, no fewer 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.”
Engr Isaac Kolo, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, stressed the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people, describing him as a man of vision, goal-oriented, and full of passion.
Key attendees present at the flag-off ceremony included Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Yakubu Saliu; Senators Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), Lola Ashiru (South), and Sadiq Umar (North); House of Representatives member Mukhtar Shagaya; Grand Kadi of Kwara State Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; cabinet members; and others.
Royal dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the State Traditional Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bolugi, among others.
By Helen Okechukwu
