The Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, has called on contractors handling the state’s Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to intensify efforts for the timely completion of ongoing road and market upgrades across the state.

Lawal appealed on Thursday during an inspection of project sites in Iseyin Local Government, alongside the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esther Owoeye, the Oyo RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Mrs. Olufunke Ekundayo and other top officials.

The Acting Governor stressed that the quality and pace of delivery were critical for enhancing agricultural productivity and rural development. 

According to him, the RAAMP initiative, championed by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, underscores the state’s commitment to boosting rural infrastructure, improving market access, and strengthening food security.

“Once completed, these roads and market improvements will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, increase market accessibility, and create a stronger agricultural economy,” Lawal said. 

He further assured that the government would provide contractors with the necessary support to ensure standard delivery.

The inspection covered the 21.95 km Olokoyo Ikere Dam Road, the Oja Agbe Market in Iseyin, and the 31.7 km Alako Idiya Batake Olowa Ijaye Farm Settlement Road.

Commissioner Olaleye expressed satisfaction with the progress, assuring the Ministry would maintain strict monitoring to guarantee completion within the schedule. He noted that the projects were crucial for easing the burden of rural farmers.

A resident of Kunbi Village, Mr. Abdulrazaq Seriki, welcomed the project, describing the Olowa–Ijaye road as a long-standing “death trap” that had often prevented farmers from transporting produce to markets. 

He said the ongoing upgrades bring much-needed relief to the farming community.

The RAAMP projects are expected to significantly transform rural connectivity in Oyo State, ensuring smoother access to markets and helping the state achieve its food security and economic growth goals.

Source: Fresh Voice News