Kwara State Governor Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure for agricultural development during a flag-off ceremony in Ilorin. Over the past five years, his administration has invested a total of N4 billion in counterpart funds, which he emphasized as a critical effort in revolutionizing rural infrastructure.
“This initiative marks the beginning of our ambitious project that will involve the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of 209.77 kilometers of rural roads, benefiting 16 local government areas,” AbdulRazaq stated at the event, which was attended by notable figures, including members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and various traditional leaders.
The governor elaborated on the importance of the project, explaining that it falls under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which is funded collaboratively by the World Bank and the French Development Agency. “Our administration has committed at least N4 billion in counterpart funds over these years, contributing to a total investment valued at N19,404,220,675.55 for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Highlighting the specific roads included in the project, AbdulRazaq mentioned several key routes such as the Alapa-Hoko (0.7 km), Madi-Peke (17.5 km), and the Odo Ode- Soliu-Arogun-Ikotun-Oke Amin-Rondo-Offa road (22.08 km), amongst others.
“The RAAMP project is closely aligned with our goal to transform rural infrastructure, which is essential for agricultural growth in the state,” he pointed out. He also took a moment to thank the World Bank and the French Development Agency for their financial support, as well as the Federal Project Management Unit for their effective coordination.
Looking ahead, the governor announced plans to award contracts for the establishment of three Agro-logistics Centres located in each senatorial district, further expanding the rural road network. “Since taking office in 2019, we have ensured prompt payments of counterpart funds, totaling N4,026,891,000. This is something prior administrations in the state failed to accomplish,” he stressed.
During the event, Senator Lola Ashiru applauded the governor for committing to counterpart funding, calling it a vital requirement that had been neglected in the past. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, echoed similar sentiments, describing the project as a significant step toward improving access to agricultural products and supporting the state’s socio-economic development.
Furthermore, Kwara’s Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, praised the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition and highlighted that over 170 road projects are in progress across Kwara State for 2024, with a substantial number already completed.
Engr. Isaac Kolo, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, expressed confidence that these investments demonstrate the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people and the vision required for significant advancements in rural infrastructure.
