Ododo Flags Off 38.5km Road Project To Boost Connectivity In Kogi
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 38.5-kilometre Kabba–Olle-Bunu–Iluke-Bunu Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, promising improved connectivity and economic opportunities for communities in the area.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Oke-Ofin on Thursday, November 12, 2026, marks a major infrastructure intervention for communities that have endured decades of poor road conditions and limited access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo described the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing demand by the people of Bunu land, assuring residents that his administration remained committed to extending development to every part of the state, regardless of geographical location.
He recalled how the deplorable condition of the road had continued to affect farmers, traders and residents, making the transportation of agricultural produce to markets difficult and discouraging indigenes living outside the state from visiting their communities.
The governor said his determination to rehabilitate the road was further strengthened by his personal experience during a visit to Iluke-Bunu following a security incident involving students.
According to him, the project forms part of his administration’s commitment to complementing security interventions with infrastructure development, stressing that lasting peace must be supported by economic opportunities and improved social amenities.
Ododo noted that the completed road would ease the movement of agricultural produce, including yam, cassava and cashew, reduce transportation costs, shorten travel time and stimulate commercial activities across Bunu land.
He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support, noting that increased financial resources available to state governments following the Federal Government’s economic reforms had helped subnational administrations undertake major infrastructure projects.
The governor urged residents to take ownership of the project by monitoring its execution, protecting construction equipment and ensuring that contractors maintained the required quality standards.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, described the project as a historic development, recalling that he once trekked from Iluke to Ole-Bunu because of the deplorable condition of the road.
Fanwo said the road had remained in terrible condition for more than 35 years, adding that its construction would open up several communities to greater economic and social opportunities.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, an indigene of the benefiting community, commended the governor for the intervention, describing it as a major breakthrough for residents who had suffered years of hardship due to poor accessibility.
He said the project would improve the transportation of agricultural produce, attract businesses, support existing investments in electricity and education, and help reduce criminal activities by improving access to remote communities.
He also assured the governor that residents along the road corridor would cooperate with the contractor and protect its personnel and equipment.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, TEC Engineering, the company’s Kogi State Project Supervisor, Simon Xu, disclosed that the project had an 18-month completion timeline.
Xu assured the state government and residents of the company’s commitment to delivering quality work within the stipulated period, citing its experience, available equipment and technical personnel as key factors that would support timely execution.
He, however, appealed to host communities to cooperate with the construction company and ensure the safety of workers and equipment throughout the project period.
