Gov. Usman Ododo Governor pledges quality delivery as project connects 10 wards, ends decades of neglect
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of a 12.5-kilometre Unosi–Odonto–Ogigiri rural road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, a project expected to transform agricultural marketing and rural connectivity.
Speaking at the official ceremony held in Adogo on Tuesday, Governor Ododo described the project as a major step toward ending years of isolation faced by several communities in the LGA. He assured residents of the state government’s determination to ensure quality delivery, charging contractors to “adhere strictly to the specifications” provided. The governor thanked development partners and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their “enormous support” to Kogi State, adding confidently that “2027 is a done deal.”
The road, which will connect 10 out of Ajaokuta’s 14 wards, had reportedly appeared in the state’s annual budget for over 30 years without execution. Hon. Sani Egidi Abdurrahim, Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, said the commencement of construction marked the end of a long era of neglect, while also commending the governor for situating the state’s only free trade zone in the North Central region within Ajaokuta.
According to the State Project Coordinator of the Kogi Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, the new road will improve access to farmlands, facilitate the transportation of produce, and enhance socio-economic development in the benefiting communities. He noted that the initiative will directly impact local farmers by improving market access and reducing transportation costs.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed also commended the governor for providing the required counterpart funds. He disclosed that indigenous youths will be engaged in the sustainable maintenance of rural infrastructure, ensuring the project’s long-term success, while pledging continued technical support from RAAMP and its partners.
Ajaokuta Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Ogido, hailed the road as “a lifeline” for the people, pointing out its importance not just for economic activities but also for improving security in the area, particularly along the Ajaokuta–Okene corridor previously troubled by kidnappers. With the project’s commencement, stakeholders expressed optimism that it would not only improve the lives of rural dwellers but also stimulate agricultural productivity and economic growth across Kogi State.
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