OG-RAAMP/ ILO Hands Over Maintenance Equipment To Road Groups In Ogun

In a move to strengthen sustainable rural road management across the state, the Ogun State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OG-RAAMP) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization has handed over routine maintenance equipment to trained Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs).

The handover ceremony, which also featured a practical demonstration of routine maintenance intervention, was held at Ilewo-Orile and Isaga-Orile communities in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking during the event, 

the Project Coordinator (PC) of RAAMP and Director-General of Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), Engr Waheed Adejumo represented by the Project's Social Safeguard Officer, Mr. Solomon Akindele, said the initiative forms part of the project’s broader strategy to ensure that rural roads remain motorable throughout the year, particularly in farming communities where road access plays a critical role in agricultural production and market connectivity.

Adejumo explained that the deployment of equipment to the Road Maintenance Groups represents a key step in transitioning from infrastructure development to long-term maintenance and sustainability.

 According to him, members of the groups were earlier recruited and trained, and have now been equipped with the necessary tools to commence routine road maintenance across designated communities.

He added that the program draws inspiration from global best practices promoted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which supports labour-based road maintenance systems designed to create local employment opportunities while preserving rural infrastructure.

Routine maintenance activities expected to be carried out by the groups include clearing and maintaining side drains, repairing potholes, stone-pitching works, filling laterite on weak sections of roads, and clearing vegetation along road shoulders. Other responsibilities include cleaning bridges, undertaking bio-engineering works where necessary, and carrying out general surface maintenance to keep roads safe and accessible.

Also speaking, the Road Maintenance Engineer with the International Labour Organisation, Engr. Ismaila Tsukutoda said the intervention was designed not only to improve road durability but also to empower rural communities through job creation and active participation in infrastructure management.

Tsukutoda noted that engaging community-based maintenance teams would help promote a sense of ownership while ensuring quicker responses to maintenance needs on rural roads.

According to the project, additional Road Maintenance Groups across various local government areas would receive equipment and commence similar routine maintenance operations in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Elewo of Ilewo, Oba Clement kolawole Omosanwo, commended the government for the construction and maintenance of the road, describing the intervention as a major relief for residents of the affected communities.

The monarch said the project would significantly improve environmental conditions and boost economic activities in the area. He also urged members of the Road Maintenance Groups to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and commitment to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.

Oba Clement assured that the community would remain supportive and vigilant, noting that residents would closely monitor the process to ensure the intervention achieved its intended objectives.