Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State recently launched a significant rural road development project aimed at enhancing infrastructure and supporting agricultural activities in the state. On Monday, he inaugurated the construction and rehabilitation of 84 kilometers of rural roads, a project funded in collaboration with the World Bank under the Osun Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Osun RAAMP). This initiative is part of a broader plan to construct a total of 240 kilometers of rural roads across the state.
The governor emphasized that the roadworks reflect his administration’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of people in both urban and rural communities. He stated that enhancing rural road access is a critical strategy for achieving food security and reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas where these issues are most pronounced. By connecting rural communities to markets and urban centers, the project aims to promote economic growth and social development.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, Governor Adeleke highlighted the importance of the state’s agricultural sector and the need for infrastructure that supports farmers. He cited the procurement of 31 tractors to bolster farming activities as one of his administration’s recent initiatives to improve agricultural productivity. The governor also noted legislative milestones such as the passage of bills establishing the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF), which further demonstrate his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure in rural areas.
The Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Ayo Ami Olaoluwa, reinforced the importance of rural infrastructural development for sustainable food production. He urged continued collaboration between all levels of government to ensure the success of projects like RAAMP. Special Adviser to the Governor on RAAMP, Hon. Moji Omisore, also commended the support of the state government and donor partners, noting that the current administration has been instrumental in advancing the project from RAMP-2 to RAAMP.
Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, praised Osun State’s performance in previous phases of the project, which earned the state its inclusion among the 19 participating states. He encouraged continued support from the state government to further the project’s success. The World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project, Engr. Tunji Ahmed, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of donor partners, acknowledging the progress made so far.
Governor Adeleke’s efforts to prioritize rural development through infrastructure improvement reflect his administration’s broader vision of addressing poverty, ensuring food security, and fostering economic growth across Osun State.
