Ododo Flags Off Construction Of 37km Idah–Ibaji Road In Kogi
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 37-kilometre Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega road, linking Idah Local Government Area to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area.
The project, which has a completion timeline of 30 months, is expected to improve connectivity, boost economic activities and open up rural communities across the two local government areas.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Ododo described the project as a major step towards fulfilling his administration’s commitment to rural development and providing residents with access to greater economic opportunities.
He explained that the delay in commencing construction was necessary to allow the government to complete the required due diligence, stressing that his administration was committed to delivering lasting infrastructure rather than engaging in projects for publicity.
The governor also maintained that political differences would not influence the distribution of development projects across the state, urging residents to prioritise development above political disagreements.
Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and economic reforms, while appreciating the Federal Government’s support for development initiatives at the state level.
He said the completion of the road would ease transportation, improve access to markets and create better opportunities for farmers, traders, youths and other residents.
The governor charged the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor handling the project, to ensure quality delivery in line with approved specifications, noting that the people had endured years of hardship due to the poor condition of the road.
In a related development, Ododo warned traditional rulers against actions capable of triggering communal conflicts and insecurity, urging them to use their positions to promote peace and unity.
He stated that any traditional ruler found instigating conflicts between communities would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the flag-off as the fulfilment of a long-standing promise to the people of Idah and Ibaji.
Ozigi said the road had remained a major challenge for residents for more than two decades, adding that its deplorable condition had negatively affected transportation, agricultural production, healthcare delivery and other economic activities.
He explained that the road became almost impassable during the rainy season, resulting in losses for farmers and making it difficult for residents, particularly pregnant women and other patients, to access healthcare facilities.
The commissioner appealed to residents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to provide a peaceful environment for the contractors and protect government property throughout the construction period.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Ibaji and Idah Local Government Areas, Alexander Ukwela and Sule Amodu, respectively, commended the governor for commencing the project.
Ukwela recalled that Ododo had visited the area on July 13, 2026, and promised to reconstruct the road, describing the flag-off as a significant step towards fulfilling that commitment.
He pledged the support of the local government and community stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Also speaking, the representative of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Henry Shuo, appreciated the state government for awarding the contract to the company and assured that the project would be completed within the stipulated 30-month period.
Shuo disclosed that the project would feature a 37-kilometre carriageway measuring approximately 10.3 metres in width, alongside six new bridges and other supporting infrastructure.
