Gov Aiyedatiwa flags off construction of rural roads 

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his dedication to grassroots development, along with ensuring food security through the construction of access roads to farms.

The governor made this pledge during the launch and groundbreaking ceremony of the 15.5km Oda Cocoa Board – Camp 2 – Langbodo Road in Oda town, Akure South local government area, on Friday.

Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated in a release that the governor revealed the first phase of the project spans across the three senatorial districts of the State: Oda – Cocoa Board – Langbodo in Akure South LG in the Central; Ode – Omi – Ebute Iyara in Irele LGA for the South; and Ifira Akoko – Afo in Akoko South East LG for the North.

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Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that construction work would commence simultaneously across the three locations, with the second phase of road contracts expected to be awarded in the first quarter of the year, covering multiple LGAs in the state.

He assured that his administration would continue to undertake more developmental projects for the state’s populace, particularly at the grassroots level.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of all stakeholders taking ownership of the projects, emphasizing the need for close supervision of contractors handling rural road construction to maintain road quality without compromise.

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He noted the long-standing dilapidation of these roads, underscoring the urgency of the ongoing intervention meeting the expected standard.

While expressing optimism for swift project completion, the governor commended the contractors’ efforts thus far.

Femi Adetanmi, the State Project Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP), highlighted that the project receives funding from the World Bank, French Development Agency, and counterpart contributions from the Ondo State Government.

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Mr Adetanmi underscored that upon completion, the road would facilitate the connection between rural communities and urban areas, enabling the seamless transportation of farm produce.

He urged farmers to ensure sufficient availability of farm products in the markets through this initiative, aiming to eradicate food scarcity caused by inadequate rural/farm area road networks.

Furthermore, Wole Akinkuotu, the Administrative Secretary of the Directorate of Rural & Community Development and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee of RAAMP, reiterated the current administration’s commitment to participating in RAAMP. 

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This decision reflects the governor’s concerned stance and the aspiration to alter the negative narrative surrounding rural access in the state.