17/07/2026
*PRESS RELEASE*
*World Bank, FPMU Assess Oyo RAAMP Projects as Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Scale-Up*
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the sustainability and expansion of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), pledging to put all necessary machinery in place to ensure the successful implementation of the project's Scale-Up phase.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, made the pledge on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of RAAMP and the World Bank Task Team to his office.
The Deputy Governor assured the visiting delegation of the Oyo State Government's unwavering support for the project, noting that the state would continue to meet its obligations, including the prompt payment of counterpart funds, to guarantee the successful ex*****on of the Scale-Up initiative.
He described RAAMP as a transformative intervention that aligns with the present administration's commitment to improving rural infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting the socio-economic well-being of rural communities across the state.
Barr. Lawal also commended the Federal Project Management Unit, the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support and collaboration, assuring them that Oyo State would remain one of the leading states in the effective implementation of the project.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga, explained that the visit to Oyo State was to assess the performance of the project, evaluate the level of implementation and ascertain the achievements recorded by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).
He noted that the delegation, which included the World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) and other officials, was in the state to undertake an implementation support mission and review the progress made, particularly as the project approaches the end of its current implementation cycle in Oyo State.
Engr. Bodinga commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to the successful implementation of RAAMP, noting that the achievements recorded so far had justified the confidence reposed in the state.
He expressed optimism that with the continued support of the Oyo State Government, particularly through the timely release of counterpart funds, the full implementation of the Rural Access and Road Maintenance Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF) components of the RAAMP Scale-Up programme would be achieved, leading to improved rural connectivity, enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainable socio-economic development across the state.
Speaking during the inspection of project sites, the National Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed under the project and commended the Oyo State Project Implementation Unit for its impressive performance. He urged the state government to continue engaging competent and qualified contractors to sustain the quality and durability of infrastructure delivered under the project.
The delegation inspected several RAAMP projects across the state, including the completed Alako–Idiya–Batake–Olowa–Ijaye Farm Settlement Road, spanning 36.45 kilometres; the Olokoyo–Alobo–Ikere George Dam Road, a 21.953-kilometre road currently nearing completion; and the completed Araromi Oja-Agbe Market under the Agro-Logistics Centre (ALC) initiative at Akanran in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, among other project sites.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Acting State Project Coordinator, Oyo RAAMP, Engr. Adegboyega Obe; members of the Federal Project Management Unit; representatives of the World Bank; and other key stakeholders.
