The International Labour Organization (ILO) has announced a partnership with the Ekiti State Government to maintain 200 kilometres of rural roads across the state. This initiative aims to preserve critical infrastructure and strengthen rural connectivity, according to a statement made during the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and ILO Maintenance Component Technical Support Mission held in Ado-Ekiti.
ILO's Role in Road Maintenance
Mr. Arun Kumar Yadav, ILO Training and Road Maintenance Technical Officer, explained that the collaboration is designed to establish a sustainable maintenance culture that will protect rural road infrastructure from deterioration. He emphasized that routine maintenance helps keep roads in good condition and significantly reduces the cost of rehabilitation for the government. Mr. Yadav commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing the necessary support for the successful implementation of RAAMP in the state. He noted that Ekiti's inclusion in the RAAMP Scale-Up Programme reflects its demonstrated capacity for effective project execution.
Skills Acquisition and Employment
According to Mr. Yadav, the initiative goes beyond road maintenance. It incorporates skills acquisition and employment opportunities through Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs), with a special focus on empowering women and youths. This approach ensures that local communities benefit directly from the project, fostering economic growth and social development.
Government's Perspective
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, described the initiative as a welcome development that will contribute to the durability of the state's road network. He stated that improved rural infrastructure remains critical to agricultural and industrial development. Mr. Boluwade cited the recent construction of the 3.4-kilometre FMS Farm Road in Oke-Ako by Ekiti RAAMP as a project that has transformed operations for a private agribusiness in the area. He added, "This initiative aligns with the governor's commitment to ensuring durable road infrastructure across the state. Any programme that supports road maintenance is a positive development." The commissioner also highlighted that the project's emphasis on skills development and youth engagement will further contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth. "We are particularly pleased that our youths will benefit from the training opportunities provided by the ILO, and that 200 kilometres of roads have been approved for routine maintenance," he said.
RAAMP Achievements
Earlier, the Ekiti RAAMP Project Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, lauded Governor Oyebanji for embracing the RAAMP initiative. He stated that the initiative has enabled the state to undertake the construction of 132 kilometres of rural roads, with more than 250 kilometres of additional roads in the pipeline. Mr. Adunmo observed that many rural roads in Ekiti had been neglected for years before the commencement of RAAMP interventions. He attributed the state's recognition as the best-performing RAAMP state in road sector reforms to deliberate efforts aimed at ensuring that rural roads remain accessible and motorable for residents and farmers. The project coordinator reaffirmed the project's commitment to improving rural infrastructure and enhancing access to agricultural markets across the state.
