Rural Roads: Kwara Partners RAAMP With N4.6bn So Far – State Co-ordinator

Kwara State has invested N4.6 billion in counterpart funding for the construction of 209.77 kilometers of rural roads across the 16 local government areas, with the aim of enhancing connectivity and reducing rural-urban migration.

This initiative forms part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in the state, which is designed to open up the state’s remote farming areas.

Dr. Isaac Kolo, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, highlighted during the 47th Kwara NUJ Media Engagement in Ilorin the significance of the project in enhancing the state’s infrastructure. The RAAMP project in Nigeria is dedicated to enhancing access to markets and transportation for smallholder farmers and micro-processors.

The objectives include improving the transportation of agricultural inputs and technology, minimizing post-harvest losses, increasing prices through value addition, and generating youth employment to alleviate poverty. RAAMP receives funding from the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and The Agence Française de Développment, with states expected to provide counterpart funding.

Dr. Kolo mentioned that the initial phase of the project will encompass 66.5 kilometers of roads in Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Oyun, and Edu local government areas. Furthermore, 39.6 kilometers of roads will be developed in Baruten, a border community with the Republic of Benin.

He also disclosed plans to establish agro-logistics hubs to upgrade market infrastructure across the three senatorial districts, ensuring easy market access for rural farmers to sell their produce.

“The completion of these rural roads is anticipated next year. Once finalized, they will not only connect rural communities but also address migration, reduce criminal activities, and stimulate economic endeavors,”Dr. Kolo emphasized.

He encouraged residents to take responsibility for the infrastructure and promptly report any issues to the government for necessary action.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Comrade Ahmed Abdullateef, emphasized the media’s role in informing the public about government policies and ensuring transparency.

“The theme of this media parliament is pertinent, given the prevalent road deterioration nationwide. It is imperative for the media to continue advocating and enlightening the public,”Abdullateef articulated.

The state government’s investment in rural roads is poised to boost agricultural productivity, facilitate transportation, and ultimately enhance the livelihoods of rural inhabitants.