The Ekiti State Government is set to commission three major rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in October, as part of activities marking Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s third anniversary in office.
The Project Coordinator of RAAMP in Ekiti, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, disclosed this on Tuesday while featuring on a Yoruba radio programme in Ado Ekiti.
According to him, the roads slated for commissioning include the 19.8km Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo road, the 3.1km Ilupeju–Egan–Ayede road, and the 2.85km Owode–Anaye road.
Adunmo lauded Governor Oyebanji for leveraging the RAAMP initiative to transform rural infrastructure and open up agricultural corridors across the state. He explained that the projects have brought new life to benefiting communities by boosting economic activities and easing access for farmers and residents.
Citing examples, the Coordinator noted that the construction of the Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo road has revived the once-dormant Arowona Market in Ikoyi-Ekiti, while enrolment at the community primary school in the town has surged due to improved accessibility.
Similarly, he revealed that work is progressing on the 8.4km Enu Odi–Ita Eku–Igirigiri road, where 4.5km has already been asphalted—greatly improving access for farmers, residents, and local government workers.
Addressing claims that RAAMP projects are solely World Bank-funded, Adunmo clarified that the initiative is a joint partnership between the World Bank and the Ekiti State Government. He stressed that Governor Oyebanji not only facilitated Ekiti’s inclusion in the scheme but has consistently provided counterpart funds and ensured strict monitoring of project implementation.
“Some people say it’s purely a World Bank project just to discredit the Governor. The fact remains that it is co-funded. Governor Oyebanji keyed into the programme, provided the matching funds, and has been hands-on in its execution,” he said.
He further disclosed that more road projects have been designed and approved, including Afao–Ire road, Ikere–Ijare road, Ifaki–Orin–Ido road, and Alajo–Awure road, which would soon be awarded for construction.
Highlighting the long-term benefits of RAAMP, Adunmo urged citizens to support the governor’s vision and cultivate proper maintenance culture. He cautioned against indiscriminate waste disposal in drainage channels, burning of tyres, and construction of unauthorized speed bumps, which often damage the roads.
To preserve the durability of the new roads, he revealed that barricades would be installed on some routes—similar to the Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo road—to restrict articulated trucks from using them since they were not built for heavy-duty vehicles.
“From October to January, we will be commissioning projects because Governor Oyebanji has done well. Anyone who has struggled to transport farm produce due to bad roads but is now making profits because of these constructions will appreciate the Governor’s commitment. His efforts are making life easier for our people, and more communities will benefit as additional roads are rolled out,” Adunmo stated.