Idah-Ibaji Road: Ododo Flags Off 37km Project in Kogi »

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 37-kilometre Idah-Ibaji road, giving the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited 30 months to complete the project.

The road, officially designated as the Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega road, connects Idah Local Government Area to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Ododo said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure, connecting communities and expanding economic opportunities across the state.

He explained that the delay between the initial promise and the commencement of construction was necessary to allow the government to complete the required due diligence.

“When I promised to fix this road, some people were already asking why work had not started. But governance is not a magic show. I cannot bring equipment here for the cameras only to take them away the next day. We took our time to complete the necessary due diligence. Now we are ready, now we are here, and now the work begins,” he said.

The governor also maintained that political disagreements would not influence the distribution of infrastructure and development projects across Kogi State.

“Even if you hate Ododo, please love development. A child should not be denied food because the parents disagree. I am here for development, and I will not be distracted,” he declared.

According to Ododo, the completion of the Idah-Ibaji road would improve access to markets, strengthen transportation networks and create better opportunities for farmers, traders, young people and families in the benefiting communities.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and economic reforms, acknowledging the Federal Government’s support for development at the state level.

Ododo charged CCECC to ensure that the project was executed in accordance with approved specifications, stressing the need for quality construction and a durable road that would serve residents for years.

In a related development, the governor cautioned traditional rulers against actions capable of triggering communal crises and insecurity.

He urged traditional rulers to use their positions to promote peace and unity, warning that anyone found culpable of instigating conflicts between communities would face the consequences in accordance with the law and applicable procedures.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the commencement of the Idah-Ibaji road project as the fulfilment of a long-awaited commitment to residents of the two local government areas.

Ozigi said the road had remained a major challenge for more than two decades, with its deplorable condition affecting transportation, agricultural production, healthcare delivery and other economic activities.

“For over 20 years, the Idah-Ibaji road has been a nightmare, a story of pain and loss. It is a road that cuts off our people during the rainy season. Farmers lose their produce, mothers find it difficult to access hospitals, and our economic life is crippled by flooding and failed portions,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to residents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to provide a peaceful working environment for the contractors and protect government property throughout the construction period.

The Chairmen of Ibaji and Idah Local Government Areas, Alexander Ukwela and Sule Amodu, respectively, also expressed appreciation to the governor for commencing the project.

Ukwela recalled that Ododo visited the area on July 13, 2026, when he promised to reconstruct the road linking Idah to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area.

He described the flag-off as the beginning of the fulfilment of that commitment, noting that the project would ease transportation and improve the living conditions of residents.

The Ibaji council chairman pledged the support of the local government and community stakeholders towards the successful execution of the project.

Speaking on behalf of CCECC Nigeria Limited, the company’s representative, Henry Shuo, thanked the Kogi State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and assured that the construction would be completed within the stipulated 30-month period.

Shuo disclosed that the project would involve the construction of a 37-kilometre carriageway measuring approximately 10.3 metres in width, alongside six new bridges and other supporting infrastructure.