•••Contractors intensify work on Oda, Idanre, Owo rural road projects
In a bid to enhance rural infrastructure and boost agricultural productivity, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the construction of the 3.5km Ebute Ipare-Oke rural road in Ilaje local government area.
The project is part of the government’s broader effort to improve road networks across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the significance of agriculture to Ondo State’s economy, affirming that his administration remains committed to supporting rural communities, especially farmers.
He emphasized the role of better infrastructure in ensuring the smooth movement of goods from farms to urban markets and enhancing the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
“Our administration has been making deliberate efforts to emplace several life-changing programmes and projects geared towards improving the livelihood and living standard of the rural dwellers and teeming farming population in our dear State through the construction and reconstruction of several bad roads.
These we are doing for the rural communities, moreso that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy of Ondo State,” the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also revealed that similar projects are underway in Oda, Idanre, and Molege towns, with contractors intensifying work to meet deadlines.
These road projects are part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a partnership between the Ondo State government, the World Bank, and the French Development Agency.
He noted that the state’s prompt payment of counterpart funds has been key to the success of the ongoing projects.
Additionally, the Governor announced the establishment of nine Agro-Logistics Centers across the state, one of which will be located in the Ebute Ipare-Oke area.
These centers are expected to further bridge the economic gap between rural and urban regions, providing vital support to local farmers.
The event also saw the Administrative Secretary of the Directorate of Rural & Community Development, Mr. Wole Akinkuotu, and the Director General of Ondo RAAMP, Adeniyi Adelabu, commending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to rural development.
Adelabu expressed optimism that the improved road infrastructure would reduce the challenges of transporting farm produce, a significant concern for rural farmers.
The Governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize projects aimed at transforming rural communities and supporting the state’s agricultural backbone.
