Ondo State is buzzing with the news of road construction projects in rural areas across all three senatorial districts. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is being hailed as a game-changer for farmers struggling to transport their produce to markets. But is this a genuine commitment to development, or a strategic move to secure re-election?
The project, launched under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is estimated to cost N1.2 billion and promises to significantly improve the lives of rural dwellers. Governor Aiyedatiwa, at the launch ceremony, highlighted his administration’s focus on rural development and improving the living standards of farmers.
However, some residents remain skeptical. They question the timing of the project, suspecting it might be a tactic to garner votes in the upcoming elections. They point out the long-standing neglect of rural areas and wonder if this sudden surge in activity is genuine.
On the other hand, RAAMP coordinator Engr. Femi Adetanmi emphasizes the project’s long-term benefits. Improved roads will not only ease farm produce transportation but also connect rural communities to urban centers, fostering a more vibrant exchange of goods and services. This, he believes, will ultimately address food scarcity issues plaguing the state.
“The rural roads when completed will connect the people of the rural communities with the urban areas and this will allow free flow of farm produce, a gesture which has eluded the communities over the year.
“Let me therefore, humbly make a clarion call to all farmers to ensure that through this gesture, farm products are made available in sufficient quantities to the markets to eliminate food scarcity that is being experienced due to poor road networks in the rural and farm areas”, the coordinator stated.
The first phase of construction targets three key routes: Oda-Cocoa Board to Langbodi, Ode-Omi to Ebute Iyara, and Ifira Akoko to Afo. Simultaneous construction across these diverse regions highlights the project’s scope and potential impact.
While the true motivations behind the project remain debatable, one thing is certain: improved rural roads hold immense potential to transform the lives of Ondo’s farmers and residents. Time will tell if this initiative delivers on its promises or fades away as another unfulfilled campaign pledge.
