Residents of Odolu-Efu Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State have expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for approving and commencing the construction of the Iyale–Ajachaga–Odolu–Efu–Ugbabo Oganenigwu Road. The project is expected to improve rural infrastructure and enhance the region’s agricultural economy.
The road, long considered impassable, has been a major challenge for farmers in Oganenigwu Ward. The area is a key agricultural hub, producing crops such as cashew nuts, cassava, yams, maize, millet, and beans.
However, poor road conditions have made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets, often forcing them to sell at low prices to middlemen.
Governor Ododo’s administration says the new road will remove these barriers, allowing farmers to access larger markets at competitive prices. Officials also believe the project will encourage investment in agribusiness, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting rural trade.
Beyond road construction, the state government has also prioritized healthcare development in Oganenigwu. Within the governor’s first 100 days in office, a modern clinic was built in Odolu-Efu Community, addressing the lack of nearby medical facilities. Previously, residents had to travel long distances to seek medical care in Iyale or Anyigba. The government has also pledged to construct a new hospital in the area to further improve healthcare services.
The road project is part of a broader rural development agenda under Governor Ododo, which includes infrastructure upgrades across several local government areas. Kogi State is partnering with the World Bank’s Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Kogi RAAMP) to improve key roads and boost agricultural trade.
In addition to road construction, the state government is investing in rural markets to create a structured trading environment. Three major markets—Ajaka Market in Kogi East, Aku Market in Kogi Central, and Aiyegunle Market in Kogi West—are set for upgrades, with at least ₦1 billion allocated to each.
Contractors have been mobilized to begin work on the Iyale–Odolu–Efu–Oganenigwu Road, and residents say they are eager for the long-awaited project to begin.
Governor Ododo has reassured the community of his administration’s commitment to rural development, promising that no area will be left behind in the state’s economic transformation.