Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State officially commenced the construction of the 15.150km Ojoku-Ilemona road located in the Oyun local government area yesterday.
This initiative is part of the governor’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activities, and improve travel comfort across the state.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, AbdulRazaq noted that over 100 kilometers of roads have been completed in Kwara South alone, alongside significant investments in healthcare, education, water supply, and social welfare programs.
Furthermore, the government is actively engaged in either building or preparing to award contracts for road projects totaling approximately 109 kilometers in the region, including those under the RAAMP initiative.
He urged local communities to maintain and protect these infrastructures to ensure their longevity and sustained benefits.
The road construction launch coincided with an inspection tour of the Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa highway by Governor AbdulRazaq, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and representatives from BUA Group, led by Group Executive Director Alhaji Kabir Rabiu. BUA is the contractor responsible for the 42.6km road that significantly reduces travel time between Kwara Central, Kwara South, and Osun State to just 30 minutes.
Both the governor and Minister Umahi praised the road’s exceptional quality, with Umahi projecting its durability to span between 50 and 100 years.
During the visit, AbdulRazaq reminded the minister about the importance of the Ilorin-Lokoja road dualization project, emphasizing its significance to the people of Kwara State.
He also received encouraging news from the minister’s team regarding federal approval for a flyover at Oko-Olowo in Ilorin, a development expected to drastically reduce fatal accidents in this heavily trafficked area.
Additionally, the governor highlighted the critical need for the Share-Patigi road and the Moro bridge projects, both of which hold great importance for the state’s residents.
AbdulRazaq expressed his gratitude, stating: “This road represents a tangible benefit of democratic governance and the renewed hope agenda. We appreciate President Tinubu’s dedication and policy framework, which are already producing positive outcomes. With new tax policies set to take effect early next year, we anticipate further economic momentum. Inflation is easing, the exchange rate is stabilizing, and overall progress is evident.”
He continued, “This road unlocks access to numerous farming communities and facilitates the movement of goods and services. Remarkably, even at just 45% completion, traffic volume has surged. Today, we also launched a new 15-kilometer road that will connect additional communities and extend into Osun State. We are pleased to have you here to assess this project and commend BUA’s excellent work on this and the Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu road.”
“We have also discussed the Moro Bridge, Share-Patigi Road, and the potential inclusion of the Ilorin-Lokoja road dualization in the 2026 budget. Together with the Kogi State governor, I have engaged with the minister to advance these projects. We remain committed to pushing for their realization. As you tour Kwara, we welcome you warmly and appreciate your dedication to these developments.”
“Historically, this route was little more than a footpath since the 1960s. Now, it has been transformed into a greenfield road, with BUA clearing and constructing a completely new thoroughfare.”
“This infrastructure will catalyze agricultural expansion. Investors are already arriving; for instance, Olam is preparing to inaugurate a $25 million soybean processing facility nearby. This road is a key driver of regional development.”
Minister of Works David Umahi commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and his leadership within the Nigerian Governors Forum. He assured that the ministry will prioritize these projects in the upcoming fiscal year.
Umahi revealed that the road contract was awarded on May 22, 2023, with construction commencing in September 2023, and praised the president’s commitment to funding the project through the tax credit scheme.
He also lauded the concrete road’s superior quality, predicting a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
“We are proud of Your Excellency’s quiet but effective leadership in Kwara. Your support for President Tinubu is invaluable, and we pledge to continue working closely with you,” the minister affirmed.
He added that the ministry plans to visit Kwara in November to oversee progress on the state’s segment of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway.
Earlier, Kwara State Commissioner for Works, Engineer Abdulquawiy Olododo, described the Ojoku-Ilemona road as a vital growth corridor poised to transform the socio-economic landscape of the area.
“For many years, poor road conditions have hindered mobility, commerce, healthcare access, education, and agricultural distribution in this region. Our administration is committed to reversing this trend,” he stated.
Olododo assured that the project will adhere to the highest standards of construction quality.
