Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has visited the Asa Local Government Area to inspect several ongoing rural road projects.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state.
The governor’s Tuesday tour included the 17.7km Madi-Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja-Baba Kudu-Akopari-Otte Oja road.
During his inspection, he urged the contractors to maintain high quality and ensure timely completion.
AbdulRazaq highlighted that these projects are part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a programme jointly funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
The state government has contributed at least N4 billion in counterpart funds to date.
The initiative aims to improve farmers’ access to markets and enhance the livelihoods of rural residents.
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“Access to the market means empowerment and increase in GDP for the people at the grassroots,” the governor said.
He stated that the government’s focus is not only on empowering people but also on ensuring they have “an active and sustainable life and sustainable businesses.”
The governor also visited a garri processing centre in Owode Oja, where community members praised his various initiatives, particularly the social investment programs that have benefited them.
AbdulRazaq mentioned that the next step is to explore ways to mechanise such businesses to increase productivity without causing job losses.
AbdulRazaq also touched upon the implementation of the new tax regime initiated by President Bola Tinubu.
He said the economic liberalisation would lead to increased revenue at the state and local government levels, which his administration is committed to channelling back to the grassroots.
Engr. Isaac Kolo, the state coordinator for RAAMP, explained that the ongoing work includes the construction of line drains and culverts, with earthworks and surface dressing scheduled to begin once the rainy season ends.
Local community leaders, including APC Women Leader Suleiman Hamdalat and Khadijat Jimoh of the Gari Processing Association, expressed their appreciation for the governor’s dedication to the well-being of rural communities.
