Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Monday inaugurated the construction and rehabilitation of 84 kilometres of rural roads in the state, affirming that this project demonstrates his commitment to improving the livelihood of people in both urban and rural communities.
The governor made this statement while flagging off the roadworks under the Osun Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Osun RAAMP) at Methodist High School, Aagba, in the Boripe Local Government Area.
According to the governor, “The 84 kilometers of roadworks, funded in partnership with the World Bank, are part of a broader initiative to construct 240 kilometers of rural roads across the state.”
“This administration is fully committed to ensuring food security and reducing poverty, especially in rural communities where these issues are most prevalent. One key strategy for achieving food sufficiency is the provision of ‘access roads’ to rural areas.”
He continued, “It is the goal of my administration to link rural communities to the nearest markets and urban areas, in order to boost economic and social development.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, Governor Adeleke emphasized that this project aligns with his administration’s dedication to improving food security and reducing poverty, particularly in Osun’s rural areas where access to roads is often lacking.
He also noted that the state’s agrarian nature necessitates improved road infrastructure to connect farmers with markets, thereby boosting both the economy and social development.
The governor further underscored his administration’s efforts to support rural farmers, citing recent initiatives such as the procurement of 31 tractors for farming activities across the state’s local governments. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the RAAMP project, highlighting legislative achievements like the passage of bills on the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF).
In his own remarks, the State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Ayo Ami Olaoluwa, said, “Rural infrastructural development is key to sustainable food production and marketing. As such, all levels of government—federal, state, and local—must collaborate to develop rural areas, particularly in the road and agricultural sectors, to ensure year-round food production.”
“The present administration under the capable leadership of Senator (Dr.) Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is committed to improving the living standards of people in rural communities. I assure you that this is just the beginning of a new era for rural farmers and dwellers in Osun State.”
“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the support of the Osun State Government for the Osun Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). We will fulfill your mandate, Your Excellency.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on RAAMP, Hon. Moji Omisore, thanked the State Government for its unparalleled and unwavering support, which enabled the project to meet all the requirements of its donor partners.
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Omisore stated, “It is on record that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Osun State, upon assuming leadership, worked diligently to ensure the successful transition from RAMP-2 to RAAMP, with the project receiving significant support in road sector reforms. This was bolstered by the executive assent to two road sector reform laws, championed by the project through the support of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) RAAMP.”
She also praised the contributions of the donor partners, noting that their efforts align with the present administration’s vision and mission of rural development through various interventions.
“Grassroots development is a key priority for our administration because 70% of our population lives in rural areas. Therefore, we must all work together to ensure their infrastructural development.”
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, highlighted that the strong support from the Osun State Government, coupled with its excellent performance in RAMP-2, led to the state being included among six additional states, raising the total number of participating states to 19.
He urged the current administration to continue its support for the project to achieve even greater success.
The Task Team Leader of the project at the World Bank, Engr. Tunji Ahmed, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the donor partners. Additional goodwill messages were given by Alhaji Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa, the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, and Hon. Abdulrasaq Olohunde, the Senior Special Assistant on RAAMP.
