By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR DAPO Abiodun of Ogun State announced that southern states will promote inter-state and inter-region trade to enhance food security.
He revealed this while meeting with the newly formed Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAB), led by Pro-Chancellor Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayorinde Olabomi.
Governor Abiodun, chair of the Southern Governors’ Forum, stressed the importance of southern states leveraging their fertile land and human capacity.
He emphasized that states in the South should trade more among themselves, buying local produce like yams, tomatoes, and rice.
Farmers’ Markets
Ogun State plans to establish Farmers’ Markets in key locations, such as Asero in Abeokuta and Ogere along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
These markets aim to improve food distribution and support local farmers.
The Governor also announced plans to relocate the Kara cattle market to Ogere to provide a better environment for cattle merchants.
The Governor affirmed that agriculture is a vital sector for providing food security, creating jobs, and generating revenue.
He encouraged collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture on various projects, including cassava production.
Construction of Additional Roads
Earlier in the day, the Ogun State Executive Council approved the construction of five additional roads across the state on Thursday.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, announced this during a press conference while updating ongoing road projects.
He said the new roads include Alagbole-Ajuwon, Akute-Ajuwon, Toyin-Giwa Hercules Road, and Oke-Aro, all in Ifo Local Government Area. Others are Oke-Erinja and Erinja in Yewa South, and Awokoya Road in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
Akinsanya confirmed the state’s commitment to reconstruct the remaining 17 kilometers of the Akute-Ijoko road.
This will be done in two phases, starting from Akute to Oke Aro to address flooding issues, and then from Oke Aro to Ijoko.
Regarding the Lagos-Ota-Sango-Abeokuta Road, Akinsanya said the reconstruction contract was awarded to Craneburg Construction Company on March 28.
The company accepted it in April, with necessary administrative processes still ongoing at the federal level. He expressed hope that work would commence soon.
The project will begin in phases from Sango to Abeokuta, with four crews working simultaneously.
Work Commences Despite Paperwork Pending
Despite pending paperwork, the governor decided to start the reconstruction to alleviate daily commuting pains.
The governor also facilitated federal projects like the Laderin Train Station Road.
Akinsanya highlighted the governor’s involvement in 14 ongoing state projects, such as the Ilisan Market Road to Babcock.
The ministry collaborates with the federal government to rehabilitate an additional 21 roads, starting with those in Ado Odo/Ota, Yewa North and South, and Abeokuta North and South.
Akinsanya noted the governor’s key role in the Sango-Atan-Owode-Idi-Iroko Road reconstruction, which includes two new bridges.
These bridges will ease traffic, especially at Oju-Ore and the roundabout, with a flyover planned at the latter.
Another bridge will be constructed near Canaan Land, extending the road to the Idi-Iroko border.
The commissioner attributed road damage to refuse dumping in drainages and building on waterways, leading to flooding.
He assured citizens that the government is prioritizing road repairs and appealed for patience as efforts to improve road conditions continue.
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