By Oluwagbemiga ‘Toye
Stakeholders in Ekiti State have commended the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) for its transformative impact on rural communities, as the Project Management Unit engaged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders at a forum on Thursday at Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at the engagement, the State Project Coordinator, Ekiti RAAMP, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, disclosed that the project has so far constructed 18 rural roads spanning about 132 kilometres across different parts of the state. He said five of the roads have been completed and are already in use, while others are at various stages of construction.
According to him, the roads have significantly improved access to farms and markets, reduced transportation costs, revived moribund markets and boosted agricultural productivity. He cited the Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo road as a major intervention that has revived the Arowona Market in Ikoyi-Ile and improved school enrolment at Community Primary School, Ikoyi-Ile, from about 23 pupils to over 150 pupils.
Hon. Adunmo reiterated that the stakeholders’ engagement was also to discuss the construction of 16 additional rural roads across the state to about 275 kilometres. He added that before the middle of the year, another 25 roads would be awarded, in line with the state’s plan to deliver 1,000 kilometres of rural roads.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support for the project, particularly the provision of timely counterpart funding and the signing into law of the Rural Access and Road Authority (RARA) and State Roads Fund (SRF) bills, which have positioned Ekiti State for the RAAMP scale-up programme. He noted that Ekiti won two national awards on Road Sector Reforms and Safeguards last year, describing the state as a reference point among RAAMP-participating states.
Delivering a goodwill message,
the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, urged royal fathers and stakeholders to take ownership of RAAMP projects in their communities by monitoring quality and timelines. He said good governance in Ekiti State would continue beyond road construction, noting that government interventions also cover electricity, schools and health facilities. He disclosed that over 50 communities have been connected to the national grid, adding that the peaceful coexistence in the state remains a major asset of the Oyebanji administration.
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the massive investment in rural roads is already yielding dividends in the agricultural sector. He stressed that without good roads, farm produce cannot get to the market, noting that improved access makes rural life more productive and enjoyable. He urged communities to take ownership of the roads to ensure durability.
Also, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, represented by Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi charged traditional rulers and community leaders to sensitise residents against any form of sexual exploitation, urging communities not to allow contractors or their workers to take advantage of their girls or women. She equally warned contractors to desist from molesting girls and women in host communities.
Traditional rulers at the forum expressed appreciation to the state government and RAAMP. The Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, lauded the Ekiti RAAMP Coordinator for his performance and commended Governor Oyebanji for prioritising rural development. The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said virtually all parts of the state are benefiting from road interventions, adding that government should encourage research into food preservation to curb wastage. He appealed that contractors should always engage monarchs and their councils before commencing work.
Similarly, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, commended the state government for making Ekiti roads more motorable and for following the state’s development roadmap, while appreciating the inclusion of new roads for government attention. The Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti also praised the governor but called for improved functionality of community monitoring committees and closer engagement between contractors and traditional institutions.
Addressing environmental and social safeguards, consultant Adesua tasked contractors to adopt mitigation measures, including regular watering of construction sites to reduce dust, avoidance of night work, prohibition of child labour, and engagement of local youths.
Communities were advised to channel complaints through designated boxes and toll-free lines rather than confronting contractors directly, while farmers were cautioned against planting on road corridors.
Responding to concerns on vandalism and carting away of project materials, Hon. Adunmo urged community vigilance, noting that articulated trucks would not be allowed on the roads and barriers would be installed where necessary. He assured stakeholders that all roads would be properly maintained