Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 37-kilometre Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega road, linking Idah Local Government Area with the headquarters of Ibaji LGA, with a completion period of 30 months.
The project, being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, will include a 10.3-metre-wide carriageway, six new bridges and other supporting infrastructure.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ododo described the project as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to open up rural communities, improve connectivity and expand economic opportunities across the state.
He said the government had undertaken the necessary due diligence before commencing work, stressing that his administration was committed to delivering projects rather than engaging in publicity stunts.
“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 declared that political differences would not influence the distribution of infrastructure and development projects, insisting that every community deserved attention regardless of political affiliation.
“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 added.
Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and economic reforms, acknowledging the Federal Government’s support for development initiatives at the state level.
He described the Idah–Ibaji road as a historic intervention that would improve access to markets, strengthen transportation networks and create opportunities for farmers, traders, youths and families.
The governor charged CCECC to ensure quality delivery in line with approved specifications, noting that residents had endured the hardship caused by the deplorable condition of the road for many years.
In a related development, Ododo cautioned traditional rulers against actions capable of triggering communal conflicts and insecurity, urging them to use their positions to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He warned that any traditional ruler found instigating conflicts between communities would face the consequences in accordance with the law and established procedures.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the flag-off as the fulfilment of a long-standing promise to the people of Idah and Ibaji.
Ozigi said the road had remained a major challenge for residents for more than two decades, 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 environment for the contractors and protect government property throughout the construction period.
Also speaking, the Chairmen of Ibaji and Idah Local Government Areas, Alexander Ukwela and Sule Amodu, respectively, commended the governor for initiating the project.
Ukwela recalled that Ododo visited the area on July 13, 2026, and promised to reconstruct the road linking Idah to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area.
He described the flag-off as a significant step towards fulfilling that promise, noting that the completed road would ease transportation and improve residents’ living conditions.
The Ibaji council chairman pledged the support of the local government and community stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project.
In his remarks, CCECC Nigeria Limited representative, Henry Shuo, thanked the state government for entrusting the company with the project and pledged to complete the construction within the stipulated 30-month period.
He disclosed that the project would cover a 37-kilometre carriageway measuring approximately 10.3 metres in width, including six new bridges and other supporting infrastructure.
