Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday inspected ongoing rural road projects in Asa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and improved access to markets for rural communities.

According to a statement released by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the inspection covered the 17.7km Madi-Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja-Baba Kudu-Akopari-Otte Oja Road, both under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The Governor directed contractors to deliver quality work within a reasonable timeframe.

RAAMP, jointly funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, has received over N4 billion in counterpart funding from the Kwara State Government. The project is aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure to facilitate agricultural marketing and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, Governor AbdulRazaq said the initiative was part of broader efforts to boost economic activities and improve living standards in rural communities.

“There is a lot of work going on in the state in terms of infrastructure. This rural road project seeks to link our people to market and city centres,” he said. “Access to market means empowerment and an increase in GDP for the people at the grassroots.”

The Governor also visited a garri processing centre and a primary healthcare facility in Owode Oja. He said the government’s focus is not only on providing support to rural dwellers but also on ensuring long-term sustainability for their livelihoods and businesses.

AbdulRazaq pledged further support for local food processing initiatives, noting plans to introduce mechanisation without displacing existing jobs.

He also addressed the ongoing economic reforms, including the implementation of a new national tax regime, describing it as a necessary step towards improving revenue and development outcomes.

“With the liberalisation of the economy, especially the implementation of the new tax regime, things are really going to change. We are here to ensure those at the grassroots benefit from this economic transformation,” he said.

RAAMP State Coordinator, Engr. Isaac Kolo, said construction work was progressing, with line drains and culverts currently underway. He added that earthworks and surface dressing would begin once the rains subside.

Community leaders, including the APC Women Leader in Owode Oja, Mrs. Suleiman Hamdalat, and the Chairperson of the Gari Processing Association, Mrs. Khadijat Jimoh, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s engagement and development initiatives in the area.