As part of efforts aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, and creating a more conducive environment for farmers and traders, the Oyo State Government is set for timely completion of ongoing Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) roads and physical improvement of markets across the state.
While the move is also at improving rural infrastructure, the projects will ease transportation of farm produce, improve market accessibility, and strengthen the state’s drive towards food security and economic development, BusinessDay has learnt.
Bayo Lawal, Oyo State Acting Governor, while inspecting RAAMP projects, called on the contractors handling them to intensify efforts towards timely completion of the projects.
Lawal, while speaking alongside Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development; Esther Owoeye, Permanent Secretary; Olufunke Ekundayo, Project Coordinator, Oyo RAAMP; and other top Government officials during the inspection, emphasised that quality delivery and timely completion of the projects are crucial to enhancing the next phase of the projects.
He noted that the RAAMP roads and market upgrades were part of the Seyi Makinde-led Administration’s commitment to increasing rural infrastructure, boosting agricultural yields, and creating a more conducive atmosphere farmers and traders across the State.
The acting governor noted that the State Government remains committed to supporting contractors with the necessary backing to ensure the projects are delivered to standard and on schedule.
Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, speaking during the inspection, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor progress to ensure that the projects are delivered within the expected timeframe and at the required quality.
Commending the State Government’s efforts in connecting rural communities through improved road networks, a road user at Kunbi Village, along the Olowa–Ijaye Farm Settlement axis, Abdulrazaq Seriki, described the project as a great relief.
He explained that the road had long been a death trap, often hindering farmers from transporting their produce to markets.
The acting governor and his entourage inspected the Olokoyo–Ikere Dam Road (21.95 km) in Iseyin Local Government, the Oja Agbe Market, Iseyin, under the Agro-Logistics section of the project, as well as the Alako–Idiya–Batake–Olowa Ijaye Farm Settlement Road (31.7 km).
