Photo caption: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun
Residents of Mapara in Ogun State have appealed to the Governor of Governor, Dapo Abiodun to rehabilitate the road leading to the government’s rice farm
Speaking to some members of the community in an interview, the residents lamented that the bad condition of the road was affecting their farming activities and livelihoods.
They however stated that despite the challenges, the residents are highly optimistic about the future.
They said that their hopes is based on the promise by the state Governor Dapo Abiodun to rehabilitate the road that would boost their livelihoods.
Speaking, the Chairman of Makogi, Alhaji Owolabi Akeem, stated categorically that the rice farm is owned by the Ogun State Government.
He refuted the rumour making the rounds in some quarters that the farm is owned by a Kebbi based businesman individuals from Kebbi.
“We are grateful for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s support, which has increased employment opportunities and contributed to the growth of Ogun State’s food supply, and also call on the public to disregard the rumour spreading around about an individual from Kebbi proving ownership of the rice plantation. That is false, the Ogun State Government fully owns this plantation” Akeem.said.
Akeem like the residents of the community also lamented the dilapidated nature of the road leading to the rice farm, adding that the poor state of the road is having negative impact on the sale of the rice the community harvest from the farm and transport to and from the area.
According to him, “If you have farmland and the road is bad, the cost of production and selling the rice will be affected. If we have good roads, many people will come around to purchase the rice.”
“We in Makogi out of Ogun State are contributing to the food arrangement and we are happy about that. We thank the governor for approving and awarding us a contract to construct the roads.
“Before the governor came, we didn’t toil with infrastructural activities in our area. We have electricity, a police station, and a health centre up to date. We are working on the roads too as you can see. And we pray God continues to help the governor,” he prayed.
The General Secretary of the Makogi area, Mrs. Adeola Adeyeri, highlighted the economic potential of the farm, noting that it had attracted investors and encouraged local land purchases for rice cultivation.
“This initiative will help lower rice prices in the market and create job opportunities for our youths,” Afeyemi said.
A resident of the community, Adekunle Ojo, who spoke to our correspondents pointed out that the rice farm would create jobs while the will reduce transport.
According to him, “Local farmers raised their concerns about the impact of poor road conditions on rice production explaining that bad roads lead to increased production costs and limit access
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