Gov. Ododo Flags Off Construction of 12.5Km Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri Road in Ajaokuta

By Chinedu Echianu

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 12.5-kilometre Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri rural road, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting agricultural development and improving rural connectivity in the state.

A statement made available to Democracy Radio by the Kogi state Government House Media Team says the road, being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is designed to provide year-round access to farmlands, markets, schools, health centres, and other essential services for communities along the corridor.

Speaking at the ceremony in Ogigiri, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development through initiatives that prioritise agriculture, market access, education, healthcare, and social services in underserved communities.

“This project signifies a bold declaration of our administration’s unbending commitment to rural prosperity and the transformation of agriculture in Kogi State,” Ododo said. “This corridor, in the agricultural heartland of Ajaokuta, 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.”

The governor highlighted that the road will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and enhance the state’s agricultural value chain, aligning with RAAMP’s goal of promoting sustainable rural road networks to curb post-harvest losses.

Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, described the project as a vital link between farm clusters that will strengthen food security and economic trust across the state.

National RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Aminu Bodinga, emphasised that the initiative aligns with the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo, noting that Kogi is set to benefit from up to 1,500 kilometres of rural road construction under the current partnership.

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

He also revealed that residents along the road corridor would be trained in routine road maintenance to ensure sustainability.

The member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Sani Egidi, and Ajaokuta Local Government Chairman, Haruna Aliyu, both lauded the project’s economic potential. Aliyu noted that the road connects 10 out of Ajaokuta’s 14 wards, describing it as a catalyst for local economic growth.

Residents welcomed the development, saying it would ease movement of goods and services, boost trade, and improve living standards in the area.