By outdoor-nature-child.com Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently launched a major initiative aimed at improving rural infrastructure by kickstarting the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of nearly 210 kilometers of rural roads. This strategic move is designed to enhance connectivity between the state’s agrarian regions and urban markets, ultimately bolstering food security.
In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, it was revealed that these projects fall under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). Over the past five years, the governor’s administration has pledged at least 4 billion Naira in counterpart funds for this initiative, which is co-funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted that the investment for these road projects totals approximately N19.4 billion, which underscores the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people. The highlighted road projects include critical routes such as Alapa-Hoko (0.7 km), Madi-Peke (17.5 km), and Oko Olowo-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode, among others.
At the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, which attracted various dignitaries including national and state lawmakers, judges, and local royalty, the governor emphasized the significance of this initiative. “This initiative, which spans 209.77 kilometers and connects 16 local government areas, reflects our commitment to rural-urban development and food security,” AbdulRazaq stated.
Prominent attendees included Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi Saliu and Senators Saliu Mustapha, Lola Ashiru, and Sadiq Umar. The ceremony was also graced by various state leaders and representatives from the National Coordinator for RAAMP, Mr. Aminu Muhammed.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Federal Project Management Unit for their roles in coordinating these crucial activities. He reiterated that the RAAMP project is aligned with the state’s goal to enhance agricultural development through improved rural infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the governor announced plans to establish three agro-logistics centers across the state and to undertake additional rural road projects. He revealed that since taking office in 2019, his administration has disbursed over 4 billion Naira as counterpart funds for these initiatives, a commitment that was not made by previous administrations.
He called on contractors and consultants to meet project timelines and urged community support to ensure long-lasting benefits from the roads. To promote quality maintenance, AbdulRazaq also signed legislation for the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF).
Senator Ashiru, representing fellow National Assembly members from Kwara, acknowledged that many states in the nation have benefited from RAAMP while Kwara lagged behind due to previous administrations’ failures to meet requirements. He commended AbdulRazaq for his efforts in providing necessary counterpart funds, calling him a champion for the people.
Speaker Danladi praised the project as a vital initiative that will improve access to agricultural products and enhance the state’s socio-economic landscape. Works Commissioner Abdulquawiy Olododo also recognized the efforts of the governor and stakeholders, stating that the initiative would facilitate connectivity and improve the quality of life for residents.
For the year 2024 alone, Olododo revealed that at least 170 road projects are underway across the state, with a commendable 65% already completed. Isaac Kolo, the state Coordinator of RAAMP, emphasized that the governor’s focus on rural road infrastructure reflects a visionary approach dedicated to the community’s well-being.