Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off construction of a 37-kilometre road connecting Idah Local Government Area to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area, with a completion period of 30 months.
The Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega road will be built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.
The company’s representative, Henry Shuo, said the project will include a carriageway about 10.3 metres wide, six new bridges and other supporting infrastructure.
Ododo said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities and linking residents to economic opportunities. He said it would improve access to markets, strengthen transport networks and benefit farmers, traders, young people and families.
Responding to those who had questioned the delay in starting work, the governor said the government had needed time for due diligence. “Governance is not a magic show,” he said.
Ododo also said political differences would not determine where development projects are sited. “Even if you hate Ododo, please love development,” he said. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms and for federal support to state-level development.
He urged CCECC to deliver quality work to approved specifications, noting that residents of the area had waited a long time for a durable road.
Works Commissioner Momoh Salami Ozigi said the road had been a major problem for residents for more than two decades. He said its poor condition had hampered transport, farming and healthcare, and that flooding and failed sections cut off communities in the rainy season. He appealed to residents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to give the contractors a peaceful working environment and protect government property.
The chairmen of Ibaji and Idah councils, Alexander Ukwela and Sule Amodu, thanked the governor for starting the project. Ukwela said Ododo had visited Ibaji on July 13, 2026 and promised to reconstruct the road. He pledged the support of the local government and community stakeholders.
Shuo thanked the Kogi government for its confidence in the company and promised to finish within the 30-month period.
Separately, Ododo cautioned traditional rulers against actions that could provoke communal crises or insecurity, urging them to promote peace and unity. He said any traditional ruler found to have instigated conflict between communities would face consequences under the law and applicable procedures.
