Residents of Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for initiating the construction of the 10.9-kilometer Idanre-Obajare Road.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the crucial role of agriculture as the foundation of the state’s economy, highlighting its importance to the lives of citizens and the overall economic development strategy.
The governor made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10.9-kilometer Idanre-Obajare Road in Idanre on Thursday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of the state's large farming community, emphasizing that agriculture is the cornerstone of the State's economy.
“It is our resolve that the government must of necessity, do more in the rural areas of Ondo State and would address the economic gap across the State through the provision of basic infrastructure. I am glad that the road project which is the groundbreaking ceremony you are witnessing today is not only fulfilling this aspiration but ensuring the continued actualization of the mandate of RAAMP which is the construction of rural access roads.
“It is, therefore, heartwarming that one of our campaign promises to the dear people of Idanre Local Government Area in particular and Ondo State in general is being fulfilled today”, the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the project's successful initiation was due to the government consistently paying counterpart funds for RAAMP.
This followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
The governor also revealed the administration's intention to set up nine Agro-Logistics centres across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State.
“At this juncture, permit me to emphasise the need for all stakeholders to take ownership of these projects. The contractors handling the construction of our rural roads must be closely supervised to ensure that the quality of the roads is not compromised under any guise.
“The fact that these roads have been in a deplorable state for many years makes it imperative that the ongoing intervention must be carried out to the expected threshold of standard. This, hopefully, will achieve a win-win situation for the State, the rural dwellers and the contractors”, he added.
The Administrative Secretary of the Directorate of Rural & Community Development and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee of RAAMP, Wole Akinkwotu, emphasised the administration’s proactive stance in participating in RAAMP.
He mentioned Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment and the desire to reshape perceptions surrounding rural accessibility as driving factors behind the state’s involvement.
In his keynote address, the Director General of Ondo RAAMP, Engr. Adeniyi Adelabu thanked the Governor for honouring his promise to establish road links between rural areas and urban centres to boost agriculture and food security.
Responding to the development, residents of the community where the virgin road had been due for construction, Mr. Akiniyi Joseph, Mrs. Akinyemi Grace, and other residents said the move was a perfect fit for the situation.
