Rural Road Projects Boost Farming, Revive Local Economies in Ekiti
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
EKITI, Nigeria – Rural road construction across Ekiti State is improving agricultural productivity and stimulating local economies, according to the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The Ekiti RAAMP Project Coordinator, Sunday Adunmo, disclosed this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti, where newly approved road projects are unveiled.
Adunmo says the programme is set to commence construction on 16 additional rural roads, while contracts for 25 more will be awarded before mid-year. These projects complement 18 roads already under construction across multiple communities, spanning 132 kilometres.
“Improved road access has significantly reduced travel time and post-harvest losses,” Adunmo says.
“Farmers now move produce to markets more efficiently, which encourages increased output.”
He explains that better connectivity between farms, rural markets, and major highways is drawing more residents back into agriculture and expanding trading activities in previously isolated communities.
Once work begins on the new projects, Ekiti will record about 275 kilometres of rural roads under RAAMP, with a long-term target of delivering 1,000 kilometres statewide.
RAAMP has so far completed five of the ongoing roads, with others at various stages. Adunmo describes the initiative as critical to improving livelihoods and opening up remote areas.
He commends Governor Biodun Oyebanji for timely counterpart funding, describing rural infrastructure as central to sustainable agricultural growth.
Traditional rulers at the meeting, including the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, pledged community support and maintenance of the new roads, urging farmers to scale up production and access wider markets.
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