Rural Ekiti Transformed as Oyebanji Pushes Major Road Projects

The World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is recording remarkable progress in Ekiti State, with over 130 kilometers of rural roads already awarded for construction.

The development comes as part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s ongoing efforts to improve rural infrastructure and strengthen agricultural productivity across the state. The State Project Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, said the governor’s continuous support has been key to the project’s success and expansion in farming areas.

RAAMP, which evolved from the former Rural Access Mobility Project, aims to connect remote farming communities to major markets and towns. The initiative is designed not only to build roads but also to improve market access for farmers by easing the movement of goods and agricultural produce.

According to Adunmo, over 40 kilometers of the awarded roads have been completed with asphalt, while several others are nearing completion. He revealed that commissioning of finished projects would begin soon and continue into early next year, with 18 roads already prepared for inauguration.

Communities such as Ikere, Agbado-Ekiti, Ilupeju-Ekiti, and Ikole are among the beneficiaries of the ongoing road works. The improved network has started to transform the social and economic life of these areas, as markets have reopened, school enrolment has increased, and farming activities have expanded.

Adunmo clarified that contrary to claims that the World Bank solely funds the project, RAAMP is a partnership involving both the international body and the state government. He explained that Ekiti provides 18 percent counterpart funding, while the World Bank supports through a repayable loan arrangement.

To ensure sustainability, the state has created two maintenance agencies that will monitor and promptly repair any damaged portions of the new roads to prevent early deterioration.The project, which started under former Governor Kayode Fayemi, gained full traction under Oyebanji’s administration after persistent efforts to secure Ekiti’s inclusion.

Adunmo said the governor’s prompt payment of counterpart funds and direct collaboration with the World Bank helped the state qualify for the current phase of the programme.He added that Oyebanji’s leadership has earned Ekiti two national awards among 19 participating states, reflecting the success of his developmental approach.

Looking forward, more than 30 new road projects covering about 1,000 kilometers have been proposed for the next phase. Adunmo expressed confidence that by the next election cycle, most of these projects would be completed, opening up more rural communities and boosting local economies.

He said the RAAMP initiative has placed Ekiti on a path of inclusive growth, where rural dwellers can now benefit from improved mobility, access to markets, and modern infrastructure.