Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off construction of the 12.5 kilometre Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri rural road in a major boost to rural infrastructure and agricultural development in the state.

The project which is executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is set to transform transportation and improve access to farmlands, markets, schools, health centers, and other critical social infrastructure for communities along the road corridor.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ogigiri, Governor Ododo restates commitment to inclusive development through policies and projects that prioritize agriculture, access to market, healthcare, educational institutions and other social services for underserved communities.

“This project signifies a bold declaration of our administration’s unbending commitment to inclusive development , rural prosperity and the transformation of Agriculture in Kogi State”, he said.

The Governor noted that the Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri road, once completed, will provide all-year-round access, significantly reducing travel time and transportation costs for rural dwellers.

“This corridor which is in the Agricultural heartland of Ajaokuta Local Government holds strategic significance.

“It links clusters of farming communities that contribute greatly to our state’s food security.

“Today marks the beginning of an end to their transportation challenges”, he stated.

He added that the road construction aligns with RAAMP’s core objectives of promoting sustainable rural road networks to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses by improving access to markets.

Earlier the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, emphasized the strategic value of the project, describing it as a vital link between farm clusters that will drive food security and strengthen economic trust across the state.

National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga, affirmed that the initiative aligns with the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo, noting that Kogi State set to receive a further boost in its road infrastructure with up to 1,500 kilometers of road construction under the partnership present administration.

“This is more than just construction. It is about building resilience in our rural economy, supporting agricultural value chains, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.

He emphasized that residents along the road corridors will be trained in routine road maintenance, as part of the administration’s broader effort to uplift grassroots communities and improve livelihoods across the country.

Engr. Bodinga urged contractors handling the project to ensure timely completion of the project and to deliver value for money.

The member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Sani Egidi, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo, stating that the project has the potential to significantly transform the economic fortunes of the entire state, particularly Ajaokuta local government and the host community.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government, Haruna Aliyu noted that the ongoing road project connects 10 out of the 14 wards in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, describing it as a major catalyst for the local economy.

Some residents of the area expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the road would ease movement of goods and services, boost trade, and improve living standards among rural people.