By Tope Obembe
The Executive Chairman of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare, has commenced the construction of Egudu Bridge along Aore River in Oke-Oro Ekiti, in a move aimed at improving rural accessibility, facilitating the transportation of farm produce and reducing post-harvest losses.
The project is a response to the longstanding challenges presented by the people of Oke-Oro Ekiti to the chairman upon her assumption of office. The community had appealed to the council leadership to address the difficulties associated with the bridge, which had affected the movement of farmers and the transportation of agricultural produce.
In response to the community’s concerns, Hon. Bakare promised to look into their plight and find a lasting solution to the problem. The commencement of the construction work marks a step towards fulfilling that commitment.
The chairman has also assured the people of Oke-Oro Ekiti that the project will be completed before the end of her tenure in December 2026, expressing her determination to ensure that the community benefits from the intervention.
While appreciating the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Hon. Bakare expressed gratitude for his gracious approval of the project, noting the importance of the state government’s support in addressing the infrastructural needs of rural communities.
She further emphasised that the bridge, upon completion, would ease access to farmlands, improve the transportation of agricultural produce to markets and reduce the quantity of farm products lost because of transportation difficulties.
The construction of Egudu Bridge is expected to improve connectivity in Oke-Oro Ekiti, support farming activities and enhance the economic well-being of residents.
The project reflects the council’s efforts to address community needs through rural infrastructure development, with agriculture and improved access to farmlands remaining important priorities for the area.