Olofa of Offa praises Kwara govt’s commitment to infrastructure

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to infrastructure and rural-urban development is beyond question, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, said on Tuesday, as he called on the Offa community to support the expansion and rehabilitation works recently approved for the Ibrahim Taiwo Road.

Speaking during a sensitisation visit by Kwara State Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, the Olofa emphasised the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of the project. The Commissioner was accompanied by Abdulkareem Suleiman, Chairman of the Kwara State Geographical Information Service; Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; Ladi Yusuf, Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure; and other senior officials.

The Olofa praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his continued focus on the welfare of the people of Kwara, including the Offa community, and reiterated the community’s readiness to cooperate with the government and contractors.

The monarch remarked: “We are delighted with what has brought you here today. We thank His Excellency for always prioritising Offa. His Excellency has always shown us that Offa is his second home. We support his good works and pray for his success in all endeavours.”

He further urged the community to support the project and remove any obstructions to ensure smooth progress. “I am directing my chiefs and representatives to inform the people of the need to support this development. No one should hinder the contractors. If you have anything blocking the government’s setbacks, please remove it. This is for our collective benefit.”

In response, Commissioner Olododo explained that the visit was aimed at securing the community’s cooperation, especially from those with temporary structures on road setbacks. “We are here to inform the Olofa of Offa, the Offa Descendants Union, and the entire community about the reconstruction of Ibrahim Taiwo Road. For us to proceed with the work, we will need to clear the government setbacks currently occupied by some temporary structures,” he said.

He emphasised the government’s people-oriented approach, adding that the project would include concrete drainage, solar street lights, and walkways. The road project is expected to take four months to complete.

Tajudeen Bello, National Vice President of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), commended the administration for its commitment to infrastructural development across the state. He called on residents to respect road setbacks when building structures, noting that they serve the public interest.

During the visit, Commissioner Olododo also inspected the ongoing construction of the flyover at Unity, which he said is now 65% complete. “We are satisfied with the quality of work. Recently, the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers also inspected the site and expressed their satisfaction with the project,” he stated.