Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Oke-Oyi/ Lanwa 21km Road Project Abandoned For 45 Years

The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities.

The governor equally flagged off the construction of Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East.

He noted that a road is valuable not merely because it connects two locations, but because of the people it helps, the businesses it supports, and the opportunities it brings within reach.

“To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities,” the governor said in Oke-Oyi, the headquarters of Ilorin East LGA.

“We understand what this road means for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey.

“With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth,” he added.

At the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, AbdulRazaq reiterated his government’s resolve to continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure, believing that economic prosperity does not happen by chance.

“We recognise the transportation difficulties that have affected movement in this area. We understand that behind every difficult journey is a person trying to earn a living, a trader working to sustain a business, a family meeting its daily needs, or a resident trying to get from one place to another,” he said.

Accompanied by the speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly and APC governorship candidate,Engr. Yakubu Danladi- Salihu , the governor was received in both communities by the traditional and religious leaders.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kwara House of Assembly member and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon. Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alh Abdullahi Samari; Chairman, Ilorin East LGA, Hon. Luqman Agbelere; Chairman, Moro LGA, Hon. Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alh AbdulRazaq Jiddah; Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon. Abdullateef Alakawa; House of Representatives candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Suleiman Abubakar, among others.

Expressing appreciation, Engr. Abdquawiy Olododo said the two road projects further demonstrate the commitment of the administration to the development of rural communities.

“For me, today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off a road construction. It is about the opportunities this road will create for our farmers, traders, young people and families whose daily lives depend on better connectivity,” Olododo said.

The traditional head of Oke-oyi, Mal. Soliu Abdulkadir and Alangua of Oke-mi Mal. Suleiman Ibrahim, in their separate remarks, said the event indicated that the government is committed to rural development, commending the governor for promoting fairness, inclusion and a stronger government-community relationship.

Ibrahim said his community has been longing for motorable road as far back as 1981, noting that the project is a dream come true.

Spokesman for Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, applauded AbdulRazaq for improving their access to basic infrastructure, pledging their continued support to the APC-led government.

He described Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road project as ‘incredibly unique’ in the history of Oke-Ose and adjoining communities.