Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed the critical role of agriculture as the cornerstone of the state's economy, emphasizing its centrality to the livelihoods of citizens and the broader economic development strategy.
The Governor made this assertion during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10.9-kilometer Idanre-Obajare Road in Idanre Local Government Area of the State, on Thursday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who said the project aligns with his administration's commitment to uplifting the standard of living for the state's large farming community, stressed that agriculture is the backbone of the State's economy.
"It is our resolve that the government must of necessity, do more in the rural areas of Ondo State and would address the economic gap across the State through the provision of basic infrastructure. I am glad that the road project which ground breaking ceremony you are witnessing today is not only fulfilling this aspiration but ensuring the continued actualization of the mandate of RAAMP which is construction of rural access roads.
"It is, therefore, heartwarming that one of our campaign promises to the dear people of Idanre Local Government Area in particular and Ondo State in general is being fulfilled today", the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also pointed out that the successful initiation of the project was made possible by the government's consistent payment of counterpart funds for RAAMP, in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
The Governor announced plans by the administration to establish nine Agro-Logistics centers across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, which would further support the agricultural value chain.
"At this juncture, permit me to emphasise the need for all stakeholders to take ownership of these projects. The contractors handling the construction of our rural roads must be closely supervised to ensure that the quality of the roads is not compromised under any guise.
"The fact that these roads have been in a deplorable state for many years makes it imperative that the ongoing intervention must be carried out to the expected threshold of standard. This, hopefully will achieve a win-win situation for the State, the rural dwellers and the contractors", he added.
The Administrative Secretary of the Directorate of Rural & Community Development and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee of RAAMP, Mr. Wole Akinkuotu, reiterated the administration's proactive stance in participating in RAAMP.
He cited Governor Aiyedatiwa's commitment and the desire to reshape perceptions surrounding rural accessibility as driving factors behind the state's involvement.
Also, in his keynote address, the Director General of Ondo RAAMP, Engr. Adeniyi Adelabu, thanked the Governor for honoring his promise to establish road links between rural areas and urban centers to boost agriculture and food security.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 15, 2024.
