By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The National Project Coordinator of Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, says there are plans to expand the project to cover the 36 States of the federation.
Speaking in Calabar at the annual training and retreat for staff of the project, Mohammed said RAAMP was poised at making remarkable impacts across the country hence the need to extend the project to all States.
The coordinator who noted that the successes recorded since the start of the project in 2008 with Cross River and Kaduna States had paved way for the project expansion expressed delight at the increase in the number of participating States to 20 States.
He urged all participating States to be more active in the implementation of the project as this would enable them access more funds required to expand Rural Road infrastructure in their States.
Mohammed stated that the introduction of technology in the implementation of the project would reduce security threats being faced on the project.
“Some of the State Project Coordinators are doing very well. All hands must be on deck to achieve the goals of the project. There will be more funding if we are able to do the job well. This is service to humanity and whatever is borrowed now has far more value in future.
“We can always do more and not rest on our oars. We are looking at making the project multi-phased. We are also introducing technology in the implementation of the project because we believe that using technology will reduce security threats”, he said.
Also speaking at the training, the World Bank Tasks Team Leader, Engr Olatunji Ahmed allayed fears of the challenges that may hinder the smooth running of the project.
He assured of the readiness of the Bank in ensuring a seamless implementation process.
According to a statement by Vivian Amadi, Development Communication Officer on Friday, the staff underwent training on project management, team building in service delivery and Systemic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP), amongst others.
Meanwhile, Cross Rivers State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has stressed the need for Nigerians to always put forward the interest of the nation irrespective of ethnic, religious and political inclination have again been stressed.
Prof Ayade stated this while declaring open the 2023 Training and Annual Retreat organized for staff of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project {RAAMP] across in the twenty {20} participating states in Nigeria.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for International Donor Cooperation (MIDC), Dr. Inyang Asibong welcomed participants to Calabar, the Cross River State capital and described RAAMP as a multi-dimensional project of several benefits poised to uplift humanity and positively change the lives, especially of the rural dwellers.
The Governor promised to keep supporting the laudable vision of RAAMP in its aim to make life more meaningful to rural dwellers across the country.
In his welcome address, the National Project Coordinator of RAAMP Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed called on participants to utilize the opportunity of being part of the project to make meaningful impacts that will stand the test of time.
‘’This is one project that will make you contribute to the enhancement of mankind. It is in the development of rural infrastructure like this that your impact as SPIU and government can be felt the more. We hope to do much more to reach the hinterland and banish poverty to the barest minimum amongst the rural peoples”, he stressed.
The National Coordinator added that plans are under the way to arrange a learning visit to India, Tanzania and Nepal being the countries that had done quite well in the area of rural road construction and management.
He warned against the ‘’japa’’ syndrome which is fast becoming the norm of the day saying: ‘’nobody can develop the country for us. You may japa, you can’t take every member of your family along. Your parents, grandparents and other siblings will be left behind and your mind will often travel to them. So, let us put in our best to make the country liveable and work for all.’’
The National Coordinator added that the twenty state structure of the project from the initial two would sooner or later enlarge to thirty seven, including the FCT.
He lauded what he called the exceptional performance of the Cross-Rivers State government and the Niger State government for adding to RAAMP mandate by choosing to asphalt the earthen rural roads.
‘’We have more than 250,000 of rural road network in the country. Of this, we have done less than 20 percent, leaving the country with more than 80 percent to be done, even Katsina and Niger that have tried have not done much considering their landmass area,’’ he added.
From Right: Engr. PC Cross River State Charles Okongoh, Hon. Commissioner Cross River State International Donor Cooperation (MIDC), Dr. Inyang Asibong, National Coordinator RAAMP Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, PC Sokoto Malami Umar Tambuwal and PC Bayelsa Dr. Paul Ebienfa
