Ododo flags off 38.5km Kabba–Olle-Bunu–Iluke road after decades of neglect

OKE-OFIN, Kogi State — November 12, 2026, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the construction of the 38.5-kilometre Kabba–Olle-Bunu–Iluke Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, raising hopes of improved connectivity and economic opportunities for communities that have endured decades of poor road infrastructure.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Thursday at Oke-Ofin, attracted a large gathering of residents and stakeholders, with the governor describing the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people of Bunu land.

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Ododo assured the communities that his administration would not abandon any part of the state, regardless of its location, adding that the road would open a new chapter in the area’s development by reconnecting previously isolated settlements.

The governor recalled how the deplorable condition of the road had hampered farming, business activities and social interaction, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets and for indigenes living outside the state to visit their ancestral homes.
He said his personal experience during a visit to Iluke-Bunu following a security incident involving students further strengthened his resolve to address the road’s poor condition.

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According to him, the project reflects his administration’s commitment to complementing security improvements with infrastructure development and economic opportunities, stressing that sustainable peace must be supported by tangible development.

Ododo said the completed road would ease the movement of agricultural produce, including yams, cassava and cashew, while reducing transportation costs and travel time and stimulating commercial activities across Bunu land.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that increased financial resources available to state governments following the Federal Government’s economic reforms had helped subnational administrations undertake major infrastructure projects.
The governor urged residents to take ownership of the project by monitoring its execution, protecting construction equipment and ensuring that the contractor maintained the required quality standards.

Fanwo Recalls Years of Hardship
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the flag-off as a historic milestone for Bunu land, recalling his personal experience of the difficulties caused by the road’s deplorable condition.

Fanwo said he once had to trek from Iluke to Olle-Bunu because of the poor state of the road, which, according to him, had remained in terrible condition for more than 35 years.

He expressed optimism that the project would open up several communities to greater economic and social opportunities, adding that future generations would remember the intervention.

The Commissioner of Education, an indigene of the benefiting community, also commended the governor for approving the project, describing it as a major breakthrough for residents who had endured years of hardship because of poor accessibility.

He said the road would improve the transportation of agricultural produce, attract businesses, support existing investments in electricity and education, and potentially help curb criminal activities by improving access and movement within the area.
The commissioner assured the governor that communities along the route would cooperate with the contractor and protect its personnel and equipment throughout the construction period.

Contractor Promises Quality Delivery
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, TEC Engineering, the company’s Kogi State Project Supervisor, Simon Xu, disclosed that the project had an 18-month completion period.

Xu assured the state government and residents that the company was prepared to deliver quality work, citing its experience in Nigeria and the availability of the necessary equipment and personnel to support the project’s execution.

He also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the company and ensure the safety of construction workers and equipment throughout the project period.

The road project is expected to improve connectivity across the benefiting communities, strengthen agricultural supply chains and create opportunities for increased commercial activity in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

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