By SAKA Laaro, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has pledged to fix rural roads across Igbomina axis of Kwara State.
In a statement issued by Mr. Mustafa Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary, Omupo Descendants Union(ODU), Tuesday, explained that the Governor made the pledge at the Annual Igbomina Day in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area.
The Governor stated that some of the roads will include roads in Ajasse-Ipo to Igbonla, Idofian-Igbowu-Igbaja, Oke-Ode-Alabe are a few of the rural roads to be fixed from Igbomina axis.
Abdulrazak who was represented by Mr Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor of Kwara added that the government had already fixed some bridges, dilapidated schools and health facilities in Igbomina axis.
He said, “The Osi-Obbo Road has been awarded for construction, though we are battling with issues of inflations in our fresh negotiations with the contractor.
“We will also start work on the Osi campus of Kwara State University in the first quarter of 2021 to drive local economy and give everyone a fair sense of belonging.
“We have awarded the contract for total renovation of the Oro General Hospital. This is the first time such is happening since it was established over four decades ago.
“A lot more of developmental initiatives are on our plate for Igbomina land and for other parts of the state.”
The Governor also disclosed that the administration will soon flag off construction of over 1,000 kilometres of rural roads and river crossings, adding that Igbomina land, like every other part of the state will benefit hugely from these interventions.
He reiterated government efforts in speeding up involvement in the National Livestock Transformation Plan and the Special Agro Processing Zone in Lata.
He therefore appreciated traditional rulers present for their contribution in peace building and development.
Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Adebayo Buari II, the Olomu of Omupo explained that the essence of Igbomina cultural day is to celebrate good example, come together to drive community development, and to encourage one another to be the best they could always be.
He added that the community had the need to “celebrate togetherness, successes, and to collectively chart the paths for the future as far back as 1987 when the first Igbomina Day was held right here in this domain during the reign of Olomu Olarinoye.
“In the last five decades or more, Igbomina land has prided itself on development anchored on self-help and communal industry.
“It is with so much self esteem that we proclaim that infrastructures for virtually all the basic amenities such as water, electricity, communication, Radio and Post Offices, education and recreation (Town Halls) were initiated and established with the contribution of the good people of this Land.”
He stated that the Igbomina Development Fund is thus “a challenge that the community must all confront with utmost dedication to enable us to develop our land to the envy of others and for them to follow our path to development.”
Highlights of the occasion include the installation of the Alhaji Abdulraeem Oladimeji, Proprietor of Al-Hikmah University as the Asiwaju Igbomina land; launching of N250m development fund; and conferment of merit awards.