By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Adogo, Kogi State
August 12, 2025
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of a 12.5km Unosi–Odonto–Ogigiri rural road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area. The ceremony took place at Adogo, Ajaokuta LGA, and was attended by key stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo said, “It is with immense joy to stand here today to flag off this road. To all contractors, I charge you to adhere strictly to the specifications.” He noted that the communities have faced isolation from markets for years.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to progress, expressing gratitude to development partners for their support. “We are deeply grateful to our development partners. I also appreciate Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his enormous support for Kogi State and we assure him that 2027 is a done deal,” he said.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, appreciated the governor for providing the necessary counterpart fund. He revealed plans to engage indigenous youths in maintaining rural areas sustainably, ensuring the project’s long-term success. Mohammed assured continued technical support to the Kogi State government and commended development partners for their contributions.
According to the State Project Coordinator of Kogi RAAMP, Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, the road project will improve access to farmlands, enhance transportation of agricultural produce, and foster socio-economic development in the benefiting communities.
The Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government, Alhaji Haruna Ogido, described the project as “not just a road but a lifeline,” noting that it will connect 10 out of the 14 wards in the LGA and improve the people’s overall well-being.
He also commended the governor’s efforts in securing the area from kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Okene corridor.
Hon. Sani Egidi Abdurrahim, Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, praised the governor for locating the free trade zone in Ajaokuta — the only such project in the North Central Zone.
He lamented that the road had appeared in the state’s annual budget for three decades without execution, leaving it in a state of neglect until now.
The project aims to boost rural connectivity, agricultural marketing, and economic growth. With this development, the state government is expected to improve the lives of rural dwellers and promote economic activities in the area. The construction of the road is a credit to the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and its determination to transform the state’s economy.
