Nigerian Minister of Works David Umahi has commended the Kwara State Government for what he described as “quiet but impactful” infrastructure development across the state, saying the Federal Government remains committed to supporting such efforts through strategic partnerships.
Speaking during an inspection of the 42.6 km Eiyenkorin–Afon–Ojoku–Offa road, Umahi praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership and unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are very proud of what Your Excellency is doing in Kwara State without much noise,” the minister said. “The Federal Government appreciates your leadership and support for President Tinubu. The Oko Olowo flyover has now been approved, and we will ensure its implementation to end the accidents and gridlocks in that corridor.”
The minister explained that the Eiyenkorin–Offa concrete road, being handled by the BUA Group under the federal tax credit scheme, was awarded in May 2023 and commenced in September of the same year. He said the use of reinforced concrete pavement would make the road last between 50 and 100 years.
Umahi also disclosed that the ministry would return to Kwara next month for the inspection of the Kwara stretch of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, which cuts across several states in the North-Central and South-West zones.
Earlier, Governor AbdulRazaq, who accompanied the Minister on the tour, had flagged off the construction of the 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona road in Oyun Local Government Area.
The governor said his administration had already delivered more than 100 km of road projects in Kwara South alone and was working on an additional 109 km under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“This road represents the dividends of democracy and the Renewed Hope agenda,” AbdulRazaq said. “It connects agrarian communities, encourages trade, and opens up opportunities for investment. Olam is already about to commission a $25 million soybean processing plant along this corridor.”
He urged residents to protect public infrastructure and reminded the Minister of other key federal projects in the state, including the dualisation of the Ilorin–Lokoja road, the Share–Patigi road, and the Moro Bridge, which he described as vital to economic integration and national connectivity.
Traditional rulers, including the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, and the Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi, lauded the governor’s developmental strides, saying the new projects would boost local commerce and reduce travel time within the region.
The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo said the Ojoku–Ilemona road would “transform the axis into a corridor of growth,” improving access to healthcare, education, and markets.
The inspection and flag-off ceremony were attended by federal and state lawmakers, cabinet members, local government chairmen, and community leaders.