The Kogi State Government has officially commenced the construction of the 23-kilometre Iyale–Odolu–Oganenigwu Road in Dekina Local Government Area, ending several decades of neglect that left rural communities disconnected from major markets and social amenities.

The Ministry of Energy and Rural Development represented by the State Coordinator of the Rural Access to Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) Engr. Sheidu Obansa performed the site handover ceremony at Odolu Efu, marking the start of what residents described as a “historic breakthrough” for the area.

Engr. Obansa who was represented by Engr. Abdulbasit Eneji praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing rural development through critical infrastructure projects.

He explained that the new road will improve accessibility for farmers, traders, and transporters thereby significantly boosting local commerce and agricultural productivity.

According to him, communities that had suffered for years from bad roads will finally enjoy ease of movement and better links to economic hubs like Anyigba and Bagana.

Speaking at the event, a representative of Swaleys Nigeria Ltd, the contractor handling the project, expressed appreciation to the government for entrusting the company with the job.

He disclosed that the project would be executed in phases, with surveying and tracking already completed, and full construction activities now underway.

Thousands of residents from 11 benefiting communities, including Ajachaga, Odolu Ojegbe, Otutulu, Ugbabo, and Ajadafo, gathered to witness the flag-off ceremony, expressing excitement over the project’s commencement.

A community leader and the Gago of Oganenigwu Ward, Chief Idakwoji Ugbabo said the deplorable state of the road had resulted in huge post-harvest losses for farmers over the years, as they struggled to transport farm produce to nearby markets.

He described the intervention as “long overdue” and commended Governor Ododo for responding to their yearnings.

Also speaking, a prominent stakeholder, Dr. Ocholi Hassan Abdulrahman, lauded Governor Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for their roles in making the project a reality.

He described Governor Ododo as a “promise keeper” who is delivering on his campaign pledges and urged the benefiting communities to cooperate with the contractor and engineers to ensure speedy and hitch-free completion of the road.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Hon. Abubakar Nuhu, said the construction marks a significant milestone in the administration’s drive to open up rural areas and improve livelihoods.