The International Labour Organization (ILO) has said it is partnering with the Ekiti State Government for the maintenance of the 200 kilometres rural roads across the state, to preserve critical infrastructure and strengthening rural connectivity.

Speaking during the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) /ILO Maintenance Component Technical Support Mission in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the ILO Training and Road Maintenance Technical Officer, Mr. Arun Kumar Yadav, said the collaboration was designed to establish a sustainable maintenance culture that would protect rural road infrastructure from deterioration.

Mr. Yadav noted that routine maintenance would help keep roads in good condition and significantly reduce the cost of rehabilitation for government.

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing the support necessary for the successful implementation of RAAMP in the state, adding that Ekiti’s inclusion in the RAAMP Scale-Up Programme reflected its demonstrated capacity for effective project execution.

According to him, the initiative goes beyond road maintenance, incorporating skills acquisition and employment opportunities through Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs), with a focus on empowering women and youths.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, described the initiative as a welcome development that would contribute to the durability of the state’s road network.

Mr. Boluwade said improved rural infrastructure remained critical to agricultural and industrial development, citing the recent construction of the 3.4-kilometre FMS Farm Road in Oke-Ako by Ekiti RAAMP as a project that had transformed the operations of a private agribusiness in the area.

“This initiative aligns with the governor’s commitment to ensuring durable road infrastructure across the state. Any programme that supports road maintenance is a positive development,” he said.

He added that the project’s emphasis on skills development and youth engagement would further contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth.

“We are particularly pleased that our youths will benefit from the training opportunities provided by the ILO, and that 200 kilometres of roads have been approved for routine maintenance,” he said.

Earlier, the Ekiti RAAMP Project Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, lauded Governor Oyebanji for embracing the RAAMP initiative, which he said had enabled the state to undertake the construction of 132 kilometres of rural roads, with more than 250 kilometres of additional roads in the pipeline.

Mr. Adunmo observed that many rural roads in Ekiti had been neglected for years before the commencement of RAAMP interventions.

He attributed the state’s recognition as the best-performing RAAMP state in road sector reforms to deliberate efforts aimed at ensuring that rural roads remain accessible and motorable for residents and farmers.

The RAAMP Project Coordinator reaffirmed the project’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and enhancing access to agricultural markets across the state.