By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 12.5km Unosi–Odonto–Ogigiri rural road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ododo expressed joy over the project, noting that the benefiting communities had faced isolation from markets for years. He charged the contractors to adhere strictly to specifications.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and thanked development partners for their support. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assistance to the state, assuring him of political support in the future.
National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, commended the governor for providing the counterpart funding. He disclosed plans to engage indigenous youths in maintaining rural roads to ensure sustainability and pledged continued technical support.
State Project Coordinator of Kogi RAAMP, Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, said the road would improve access to farmlands, enhance transportation of agricultural produce, and foster socio-economic growth in the area.
Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government, Alhaji Haruna Ogido, described the road as a lifeline that would connect 10 of the 14 wards in the LGA. He also commended the governor’s efforts in securing the area from kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Okene corridor.
Hon. Sani Egidi Abdurrahim, Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, praised the governor for locating the free trade zone in Ajaokuta, noting it as the only such project in the North Central Zone. He lamented that the road had appeared in the state’s budget for over 30 years without execution until now.
The project is expected to boost rural connectivity, facilitate agricultural marketing, and promote economic development in the benefiting communities.
