- Rehabilitation per council to boost grassroots economy
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Osun State, operating under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has commenced a large-scale road grading and rehabilitation project spanning all 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Area Councils, and Administrative Offices across the state.
This ambitious initiative, which covers a total of 1,050 kilometres of roads, is designed to significantly improve grassroots transportation infrastructure, enhance mobility, and strengthen socio-economic activities at the community level.
Under the plan, each council is mandated to grade a minimum of 35 kilometres of roads within its jurisdiction. Reports indicate that the exercise is already at an advanced stage in several councils, with visible improvements recorded in rural accessibility and road usability.
In a statement issued by the ALGON Chairman in Osun State, who also serves as the Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Idowu Samuel Abiodun, the project was described as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming the rural transportation network and unlocking economic opportunities at the grassroots.
According to the statement, the initiative is not only a response to infrastructure deficits but also a deliberate effort to stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and bridge the gap between rural and urban communities
“We have commenced massive road grading and rehabilitation across all councils in Osun State, including LGAs, LCDAs, Area Councils, and Administrative Offices. This effort reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful development directly to the grassroots,” the statement read.
Hon. Abiodun further emphasized that the project is a carefully conceived and result-oriented programme intended to strengthen transportation systems and facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services across the state.
“The grading of 1,050km of roads, with 35km allocated to each council, is a bold and decisive step towards improving connectivity and accessibility in our communities. We are confident that this initiative will enhance safety, promote trade, and stimulate socio-economic activities across the state,” he added.
The statement also highlighted the expected impact on the agricultural sector, noting that improved road networks would enable farmers to transport produce more efficiently to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase productivity.
“This intervention will greatly support our farmers by easing the transportation of farm produce, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening the rural economy. It is part of our broader vision to reposition grassroots communities as viable hubs of economic activity,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming their commitment to people-oriented governance, the council chairmen assured residents that the road grading project marks the beginning of a series of developmental initiatives targeted at improving the quality of life for citizens across Osun State.
“This project represents a significant milestone in our determination to revitalize the socio-economic fortunes of our people. We will continue to roll out impactful, people-driven programmes that address critical needs and promote sustainable development at the grassroots level,” the statement concluded
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