Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has officially flagged off the construction of the 15.150 kilometer Ojoku-Ilemona road in the Oyun Local Government Area. The Governor stated that the project builds on his administration's efforts to open up communities for economic growth and provide a pleasurable travel experience across the state.

The Governor highlighted his administration's track record, noting that it has already delivered more than 100 kilometers of road in Kwara South alone, in addition to significant projects in the health, education, water, and social protection sectors. Furthermore, he revealed that the administration is either constructing or is about to award road projects spanning some 109 kilometers in the region, which includes RAAMP projects.

Governor AbdulRazaq requested residents to continue to support the administration and take ownership of public infrastructure to ensure the projects last longer.

The flag off ceremony coincided with the Governor's inspection of the Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa road. This inspection was conducted alongside the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and a delegation from the BUA Conglomerate led by its Group Executive Director, Alhaji Kabir Rabiu. BUA is the contractor for the 42.6km road, which is expected to link Kwara Central to Kwara South and Osun State in under 30 minutes.

The Governor and Umahi commended the quality of the road, with the latter saying the road should last between 50 and 100 years.

Governor AbdulRazaq reminded the Minister of the dualisation of the Ilorin-Lokoja Road, saying the project is dear to the people of the state.

The Governor also received cheery news from the Minister's delegation that the Federal Government has approved a flyover at Oko Olowo, potentially ending years of deadly accident in the busy corridor.

Governor AbdulRazaq also reminded the Minister of the Share-Patigi Road as well as the Moro Bridge two projects he said are also very dear to him and to the people of the state.

The Governor said: "We are glad to have this road. This is part of what you call the dividends of democracy, dividends of the renewed hope agenda.

"We thank Mr. President for his commitment, for his policies. His policies are already yielding results. This is part of the results of the economic policy that he implemented. Now, the new tax policies will kick in early next year, and we'll see a lot of movement in that direction, too. Inflation is going down. The exchange rate is firm, stable, and also going down. We see progress.

"This road opens up a lot of communities, agrarian communities, and movement of goods and services. In fact, traffic has settled on this road, even though it's just about 45% complete. There's huge traffic already. On our part, we just flagged off the construction of a new road this morning, a 15-kilometer road to feed into other communities and also lead into Osun State. So, we're glad you're here to inspect this project, and we're glad with the work BUA is doing on this road and also on the Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu road which you're going to see now.

"We spoke earlier about the issue of Moro Bridge, Share - Patigi Road, and also the prospect of looking at 2026 budget for the dualization of Ilorin - Lokoja road. You recall that the governor of Kogi State and I visited you in your office to look into that project. It's an ongoing thing. We will continue to push to see how we can have that in the 2026 budget. So, as you move around the state, we welcome you to Kwara and the hospitality of Kwara. But we're truly happy with this road, and we must commend you for the energy you're taking to do this thing.

"This road has been there since the 60s. It was much more of a footpath. It's really a footpath. So, it's now a green road, basically. Greenfield Road. BUA just bulldozed everything and created a new road here.

"All these areas will open up to agriculture. Investors are already coming in. You can see down the road, Olam is about to commission a $25 million soybean processing plant just down the road there. So, the other companies have started to come in. And this road is a catalyst for development."

Umahi, who commended the Governor's consistent support for President Tinubu and his leadership of the NGF, said he would look at the projects in the coming fiscal year.

He said the road was awarded on 22nd May, 2023 and started in September 2023, commending the commitment of the President to fund the project through the tax credit scheme.

He lauded the quality of the concrete road, which he said would last between 50 and 100 years.

"We are similarly proud of what Your Excellency is doing in the state without much noise. We thank your leadership and your support for President Tinubu. I assure you that we will do what you want. We will work around it to support you," he said.

He also said the Ministry will be in Kwara next month for the Kwara stretch of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

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.

He assured 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, said AbdulRazaq has done so much for the people of Kwara South not because he is seeking re-election but 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.