What to Know About Oganenigwu Road Construction as Kogi Govt Ends Decades of Neglect »

By Onoja Integrity

Oganenigwu Ward a once-forgotten agrarian communities in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, is finally witnessing a new dawn as the Kogi State Government begins the long-awaited construction of the Oganenigwu Road, a development hailed as a “victory for an abandoned community.”

The cheering news was made public by political chieftain and activist, Austin Usman Okai, who described the project as a major breakthrough for a people long isolated by poor infrastructure and insecurity.

In a post shared on Sunday, Okai wrote, “Oganenigwu Road Construction: A Victory for an Abandoned Community.
For too long, Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government has been isolated by neglect, lack of roads, and devastating insecurity. Their fertile lands and hardworking farmers couldn’t even get their goods to market.

“I visited this terrible situation multiple times during my campaign and promised I would kneel before any authority to get this road built. Yesterday, I met with the Governor, and I’m thrilled to announce that his administration has started the construction of the Oganenigwu Road!

“Thank you, Kogi State Government, for embarking on this urgent and life-changing project. Thank you, Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, the true son of Oganenigwu, for constantly reminding the government about this road. May the project be completed for the good of our people.”

Among hundreds of people commending Governor Usman Ododo and the facilitator of the project under Okai’s statement, the post attracted a few comments believed to be coming from those who are ignorant about the details of the historic project.

Clarifying details of the ongoing work, community sources disclosed that the construction has reached the clearing stage, with 12 meters cleared in width, out of which 9 meters will serve as the main carriageway. The remaining meters will accommodate gutters/ Drainage. The Road has 6 mega culverts, and wing sections to ensure proper drainage for durability.

At present, two D8 buldozers and two D7 bulldozers are deployed on-site, an impressive feat that residents say is unprecedented for a rural road project of this magnitude in the area.

According to project engineers, the contract is scheduled for 22 months, but the contractor has expressed confidence in delivering it within 18 months with Complete Asphalt overlay, citing robust support from both the state government and the local communities.

The project’s facilitator, Dr. Hassan Ocholi, has remained actively involved in monitoring progress, ensuring adherence to quality and timelines. His efforts have earned him widespread commendation across Dekina.

Beyond the road, the development has spurred massive civic participation among residents. Over 3,000 people from the Oganenigwu area have reportedly been trooping to Dekina INEC office register for the upcoming elections, many eager to express gratitude through their votes for what they describe as the “first real touch of government” in their communities.

In contrast, locals recalled that during the 2015 general elections, the people of Oganenigwu boycotted voting in protest of decades of neglect. A situation that led to declaring both National and State Governorship elections inconclusive.

For the people of Oganenigwu, the road construction is more than just an infrastructure project, it symbolizes hope, inclusion, and the long-overdue dividends of democracy.

With bulldozers roaring and the red earth turning, optimism now fills the air in a community once written off as inaccessible. As one resident put it, “We used to feel like Nigeria ended before Oganenigwu. Now, for the first time, we feel seen.”

The people are thanking Governor Ododo for this Landmark project,with special thanks to their son Dr. Hassan Ocholi who has always been a selfless man for pushing day and Night to ensure this dream becomes a reality, also the people are thanking Comrade Austin Okai for identifying areas government should improve.