The International Labour Organization (ILO) has partnered with the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to undertake routine maintenance of 200 kilometres of rural roads across the state as part of efforts to preserve critical infrastructure and improve rural connectivity.
Speaking during the RAAMP/ILO Maintenance Component Technical Support Mission held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the ILO Training and Road Maintenance Technical Officer, Mr. Arun Kumar Yadav, said the collaboration was aimed at institutionalising a sustainable road maintenance culture that would prevent the deterioration of rural road infrastructure.
Yadav explained that regular maintenance would keep roads in good condition, enhance accessibility, and significantly reduce the cost of future rehabilitation projects for the government.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of RAAMP in Ekiti State, noting that the state’s selection for the RAAMP Scale-Up Programme was a reflection of its proven capacity for effective project delivery.
According to him, the initiative extends beyond road maintenance, incorporating skills acquisition and employment opportunities through the establishment of Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs), with special attention given to empowering women and youths.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, described the programme as a timely intervention that would enhance the lifespan of the state’s road infrastructure and support economic growth. Boluwade stressed that quality rural roads remain vital to agricultural productivity and industrial development, citing the recently completed 3.4-kilometre FMS Farm Road in Oke-Ako by Ekiti RAAMP as a project that has significantly improved the operations of a private agribusiness firm in the area.
He said the initiative aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s vision of providing durable infrastructure across the state, adding that effective maintenance is essential for sustaining the gains of road construction projects.
The commissioner further noted that the training opportunities embedded in the programme would equip youths with valuable skills, create employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction.
“We are delighted that our youths will benefit from the capacity-building components of the programme and that 200 kilometres of rural roads have been approved for routine maintenance,” he said.
Earlier, the Ekiti RAAMP Project Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, praised Governor Oyebanji for embracing the RAAMP initiative, which has facilitated the construction of 132 kilometres of rural roads across the state, with over 250 kilometres of additional roads already proposed for development. Adunmo observed that many rural roads in Ekiti had suffered years of neglect before the commencement of RAAMP interventions, adding that the state’s recognition as the best-performing RAAMP state in road sector reforms was a result of deliberate efforts to improve accessibility for rural dwellers and farmers.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding rural infrastructure and enhancing access to agricultural markets, thereby boosting economic activities and improving the livelihoods of residents across the state.
