By Buhari Femi Fatai
Kogi State Commissioner for Energy and Rural Development, Hon. Engr. Abdulmutalib Muhammad, has reiterated the state government’s resolve to bridge the infrastructural gap in rural communities, assuring residents that the era of neglect is over.
Speaking as Chief Host at the official flag-off of the 12.5km Unosi–Odonto–Ogigiri rural road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Engr. Muhammad described the project as a “transformative step toward unlocking the vast agricultural and economic potential of our rural communities.”
According to him, “Driven by His Excellency’s visionary leadership, the Unosi–Odonto–Ogigiri road will serve as a vital link between farm clusters, settlements, and essential services — fostering connectivity, productivity, and shared prosperity, while driving food security and economic growth. Rural development is no longer a promise; it is a reality in Kogi State.”
He commended the Federal Project Monitoring Unit, the State Project Implementation Unit, traditional rulers, elders, and stakeholders for their collaboration, noting that their efforts had made the historic flag-off possible. He urged the benefiting communities to remain steadfast in supporting and safeguarding the project to ensure its successful execution and sustainability.
The ceremony, held at Adogo in Ajaokuta LGA, was presided over by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who charged contractors to adhere strictly to specifications, stressing that the road will address decades of isolation faced by communities in Kogi East and Central. The Governor expressed appreciation to development partners for their support and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his commitment to Kogi State’s progress.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, lauded Governor Ododo for providing counterpart funding and pledged to engage indigenous youths in maintaining rural roads for long-term sustainability. The State Project Coordinator of Kogi RAAMP, Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, added that the project will boost access to farmlands, improve agricultural marketing, and enhance socio-economic activities.
Also in attendance were Honourable commissioner for Local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat , the Executive Chairman of Ajaokuta LGA, Hon. Aliyu Haruna Ogido , and the member representing Ajaokuta Federal constituency , Hon. Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi who presented a gift to the Governor in appreciation of his infrastructural interventions.
Buhari Femi Fatai
Information officer
Ministry of Rural and Energy Development
