Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa yesterday revealed that agriculture has remained the backbone of the state’s economy.
Aiyedatiwa, who also described agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy, noted that it is central to the livelihoods of citizens and the broader economic development strategy.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10.9-kilometer Idanre-Obajare Road in Idanre local government area of the state, the governor said the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to uplifting the standard of living for the state’s large farming community.
Aiyedatiwa said, “It is our resolve that the government must, of necessity, do more in the rural areas of Ondo State and address the economic gap across the State by providing basic infrastructure. I am glad that the road project, which is the groundbreaking ceremony you are witnessing today, is fulfilling this aspiration and ensuring the continued actualisation of the mandate of RAAMP, which is the construction of rural access roads.
“It is, therefore, heart-warming that one of our campaign promises to the dear people of Idanre Local Government Area in particular and Ondo State in general is being fulfilled today”, the Governor said.
The governor also pointed out that the successful initiation of the project was made possible by the government’s consistent payment of counterpart funds for RAAMP, in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
However, he announced the administration’s plans to establish nine Agro-Logistics centres across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, which would further support the agricultural value chain.
“At this juncture, permit me to emphasise the need for all stakeholders to take ownership of these projects. The contractors handling the construction of our rural roads must be closely supervised to ensure that the quality of the roads is not compromised under any guise.’’
The administrative secretary of the Directorate of Rural and Community Development and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee of RAAMP, Mr Wole Akinkwotu, reiterated the administration’s proactive stance in participating in RAAMP.
