By Zarumi Mashood
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of 15.150km Ojoku-Ilemona road in Oyun Local Government.
He explained that the project builds on his efforts to open up communities for economic growth and pleasurable travel experience in the state.
AbdulRazaq also disclosed that his administration has delivered more than 100kms of road in Kwara South alone — aside from other projects in health, education, water, and social protection sectors.
In addition to that, he said the administration is either constructing or about to award road projects spanning some 109kms in the region, including RAAMP projects.
The Governor requested residents to continue to support his administration and take ownership of public infrastructure so they could last longer.
The flag off of the Ojoku Ilemona road was attended by lawmakers, cabinet members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, top government officials, and party leaders.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, said Ojoku –Ilemona road is now a corridor of growth that seeks to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people.
“For decades, our people in this axis have been constrained by poor road conditions, affecting mobility, trade, healthcare access, education, and agricultural distribution which the present administration has continued to fix,” he said, adding that the project will be undertaken with the highest standards of quality.
The Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh and the Olojoku of Ojoku Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi, in their separate remarks, said the road will accelerate development and have significant impacts on their communities, and commended AbdulRazaq for his transformational programmes.
“Without a good road, there won’t be meaningful development. Once you have a good road, there will be development. People will move around with ease, and businesses will flourish,” the Elerin said.
Olojoku, who was impressed with the Governor’s gesture, conferred on AbdulRazaq “the Aare Bobaselu Ojoku”.
He said the road project will not only lessen their travel time from Ojoku to Faje, Ikotun Junction, and Ilemona, but also places Ojoku community on a global map for improved commerce and economic growth.
Convener of the Kwara South Development Initiative, Dr Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, said: “Your Excellency has done so much work for the people of Kwara South and I thank you immensely on their behalf. Road development is a very critical infrastructure.
“It is as important to the community as the backbone to a human being. By the time this road is completed it will not take a seven-minute drive. Presently it takes hours. You are also creating access to the market for whatever produce we are bringing out of this place.”
APC Chieftain, Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, noted that AbdulRazaq has done so much for the people of Kwara South not because he is seeking re-election but, in the bid to leave a good legacy.
“I am privileged to know how well you are doing for us in Kwara South. And I do not stand here as sycophantic. We are chronicling what you have done in the region for people to know you are working.
“You are doing it for legacy. And may God continue to empower you to do more for Kwara South and indeed the entire Kwara State,” he said.
