By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Farmers across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State have applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his administration’s sustained investment in rural infrastructure, particularly the roads linking farming communities to markets and processing centres.

The commendation was given by the Chairman of the State Farmers Support Programme Committee, Mallam Abdullah Ibn Ahmed, whose committee works with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to engage farmers and support grassroots implementation of agricultural policies.

Mallam Abdullah noted that the Governor’s recent inspection of key rural roads in Asa Local Government Area has reinforced the confidence of farmers in the administration’s agricultural agenda.

In an earlier statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the ongoing construction of the 17.7km Madi–Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja–Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road, was a strategic step towards addressing the long-standing challenge of poor access roads in rural communities.

“The response from farmers across the State has been one of appreciation and renewed hope,” the Committee Chairman said, adding that farmers see the roads not just as infrastructure, but as economic lifelines that would reduce losses, lower transport costs, and improve access to markets.

He noted that the Governor’s visit to communities such as Peeke, Owode Oja, Baba Kudu, and Akopari was warmly received, with the locals acknowledging government’s efforts to connect directly with rural producers and support their livelihoods.

Also speaking on the projects, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Alabi Afees Abolore, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving rural access through targeted investments, adding that these roads are deliberately prioritised to boost rural productivity.

He said: “His Excellency’s directive is clear: bring government closer to the people, and bring farmers closer to opportunities.”

The road projects, supported by development partners, have received over N4 billion in counterpart funding from the Kwara State Government.

Mallam Abdullah reaffirmed the committee’s support for the government’s rural development agenda and pledged continued collaboration with farming groups and local stakeholders to maximise the impact of the interventions, which he described as central to inclusive growth and sustainable development across Kwara State.