The Mapara residents in Ogun State have pleaded with Governor Dapo Abiodun to repair the road leading to their rice plantation.
In separate interviews with our correspondents on Tuesday, they said the deteriorating condition of the road was hindering their farming activities and affecting their livelihoods.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the community recently celebrated its first rice harvest, marking the beginning of a new chapter in local agriculture. Despite the challenges, the residents said they remained optimistic about the future, relying on the governor’s promises to enhance their livelihoods.
The Chairman of Makogi area, Alhaji Owolabi Akeem, emphasised that the rice plantation belongs to the Ogun State Government, dismissing rumours of its ownership by individuals from Kebbi State.
He said, “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 expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the road that leads to the rice plantation noting that the poor state of the road had begun to impact the transport and sale of the harvested rice.
“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.”
The General Secretary of the Makogi area, Mrs. Adeola Adeyeri, highlighted the economic potential of the rice farm, noting that it had attracted investors and encouraged local land purchases for rice cultivation.
Adeyeri said, “This initiative will help lower rice prices in the market and create job opportunities for our youths.”
A resident, Olusegun Ogundipe, noted that the rice plantations would provide food security, create employment, and improve the Makogi roads.
He said, “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 to markets.”
“If we have good roads, more buyers will come.”
When PUNCH Metro contacted the state Commissioner of Works, Ade Akinsanya, he called for patience noting that the Magboro Road project was already underway and a priority for the Ogun State Government.
“The task to fix the roads is already in progress from Magboro junction down to Makogi. The residents should be calm and patient.”
