Oganenigwu Community Applauds Gov Ododo as Kogi Govt Prepares to Launch Iyale-Odolu-Efu Oganenigwu Road Project »

The people of Odolu- Efu Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, have expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his decisive intervention in rural infrastructure, particularly the approval and commencement of the Iyale–Ajachaga–Odolu–Efu – Ugbabo Oganenigwu Road construction Project.

This long-awaited development is expected to transform the economic fortunes of the region, which is a major agricultural hub supplying food and cash crops to various parts of Kogi State and beyond.

For decades, the residents of Oganenigwu Ward, including Odolu–Efu community and surrounding communities, have struggled with deplorable road conditions, making the transportation of farm produce difficult and limiting access to healthcare and other essential services. However, Governor Ododo’s administration has taken a bold step to address these challenges, recognizing the strategic importance of the area in the state’s agricultural value chain.

Oganenigwu is widely regarded as one of the most agriculturally productive areas in Kogi State. The ward alone produces a massive volume of cashew nuts, Cassava, yams, maize, millet, Beans and other staple crops, significantly contributing to the state’s economy. The region’s cashew production, in particular, is of international importance, as Kogi State ranks as Nigeria’s top cashew-producing state. Without a good road network, farmers and traders have long been at the mercy of middlemen who take advantage of poor transportation conditions to purchase produce at ridiculously low prices.

With the construction of the Iyale–Ajachaga–Odolu–Efu- Ugbabo Oganenigwu Road, these barriers are being removed, opening up new economic opportunities for farmers, traders, and agro-businesses. The road will provide easy access to major markets, enabling farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices while reducing post-harvest losses. It will also encourage investment in agriculture and agribusiness, as transportation bottlenecks will no longer deter buyers and investors from engaging with local farmers.

Governor Ododo’s commitment to rural development goes beyond road construction. Recognizing the urgent need for improved healthcare services in Oganenigwu, his administration has constructed a modern clinic in Odolu–Efu Community within 100dsys in office providing residents with easier access to medical care. Before this intervention, people in the area had to travel long distances under difficult conditions to seek medical attention at General Hospital Iyale and other Medical facilities at Anyigba.

During a recent engagement with community stakeholders from Oganenigwu, the government promised to build a new hospital in the area to further strengthen healthcare delivery. In response to the people’s concerns, Governor Ododo immediately gave directives to relevant agencies of Government to facilitate the commencement of construction for the Road. The Chief Servant of Kogi State assured the community of the government’s unwavering commitment to their well-being.

The road projects
in Oganenigwu is part of a larger rural development agenda being implemented across Kogi State. Since assuming office, Governor Ododo has prioritized infrastructure development in rural communities, focusing on roads, healthcare, education, Water supply and market upgrades.

Through a strategic partnership with the World Bank under the Kogi State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Kogi RAAMP), the state government is rehabilitating and constructing key road networks to boost agricultural trade and enhance mobility. Odolu Efu and Several communities in Dekina, Olamaboro, Omala, and other local government areas are already benefiting from these initiatives.

In addition, the Ododo administration is investing heavily in rural markets to create a more structured and profitable trading environment for farmers and traders. Under this initiative, three major markets—Ajaka Market in Kogi East, Aku Market in Kogi Central, and Aiyegunle Market in Kogi West—have been identified for major upgrades, with each market receiving a minimum investment of ₦1 billion.

With these bold and strategic interventions, Governor Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bridging the rural-urban divide and ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s development agenda. The construction of the Iyale–Ajachaga–Odolu–Efu – Ugbabo Oganenigwu Road, in Oganenigwu, marks a turning point for the people of the region, providing them with new economic opportunities and access to essential services.

As the Governor prepares to Ground breaking flag off of the Iyale – Odolu Efu – Oganenigwu Road contractors have already been mobilized to site, and residents are already eager to see full Commencement of the Long awaited Project. The people of Oganenigwu and other benefiting communities have commended Governor Ododo’s leadership and commitment, pledging their full support for his administration’s continued efforts in driving rural transformation.

With better roads, improved healthcare facilities, and expanded market infrastructure, Kogi State is on the path to a more prosperous and economically vibrant future. The Ododo administration’s focus on grassroots development is ensuring that the wealth of rural communities like Oganenigwu is fully harnessed for the benefit of the entire state.