Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday officially flagged off the construction of the 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road, cutting across Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas, to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate movement, and expand economic prospects for local residents.

The Governor simultaneously flagged off the construction of the Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road, which is also located within the Ilorin East Local Government Area.

He emphasized that road infrastructure derives its true value from its capacity to empower residents, sustain commercial activities, and bring new opportunities within reach of local populations.

"To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities," the Governor declared at the Oke-Oyi event, which was attended by community members.

He noted that the administration understands the difficulties encountered by agricultural producers, traders, and families navigating rural routes to conduct daily business activities.

He added, "With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth."

During the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the government's resolve to sustain capital investments in road network expansion, noting that long-term economic growth requires intentional development strategies.

He stated that the administration recognizes the persistent transportation hurdles in the area and remains committed to alleviating the burdens faced by workers, small business operators, and commuting residents.

The Governor was accompanied to the events by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, and was received by traditional leaders, religious figures, and community stakeholders.

Other notable attendees included the member of the Kwara State House of Assembly and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon. Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari; Chairman of Ilorin East LGA, Hon. Luqman Agbelere; Chairman of Moro LGA, Hon. Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser on Special Duties and Director-General of the Kwara APC Campaign Council (Central), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; House of Representatives candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Hon. Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Sai Kai.

In his remarks, Hon. Abdulquawiy Olododo expressed appreciation to the administration, noting that the dual road projects reflect a genuine commitment to grassroots development by opening up economic avenues for farmers, traders, and families.

Speaking on behalf of their respective areas, the Baale of Oke-Oyi, Mallam Soliu Abdulkadir, and the Alangua of Oke-Omi, Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim, praised the state government for prioritizing inclusive development and strengthening public confidence in governance.

Mallam Ibrahim remarked that his community had advocated for a motorable road since 1981, describing the commencement of work on the project as the realization of a long-standing aspiration.

Similarly, the spokesman for the Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for improving rural access to public infrastructure, assuring the administration of the community's continued support.