The Osakpa of Akpanaja, Alhaji Musa Abari Agye, alongside several district heads, youth leaders, and road users from Doma South Constituency, has applauded Olam Rice Farm, Rukubi, for its intervention in grading the long-neglected Rukubi–Akpanaja–Nasarawa border road.
Speaking at his palace after visiting the border town between Nasarawa and Benue States, the traditional ruler expressed joy over the development, describing it as a long-awaited relief for communities that have endured years of poor road conditions.
According to him, the road rehabilitation will enhance socio-economic activities, improve security, and open up access to markets across both states. He also appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for encouraging Olam to undertake the grading project.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Olam Rice Farm and the intervention of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for urging Olam to grade our road, which had been in a deplorable state for years,” the monarch said.
The Community Relations Manager of Olam Rice Farm, Abubakar Ogashuwa, explained that the ongoing grading of the 35km Rukubi–Akpanaja–Makurdi road forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to alleviate the suffering of the host communities.
He revealed that before the intervention, road users faced severe challenges, including paying to cross the river Ohina by canoe. He added that the company’s engineers filled the bad spots with hardcore and laterite to restore smooth movement and enhance safety.
Ogashuwa also listed other community support projects by Olam Rice Farm, such as the construction of a three-classroom block at Government Junior Secondary School, Ondori; a primary school for Tiv and Fulani nomads; scholarships for local students; provision of solar-powered lights and potable water; and empowerment of widows with rice supplies.
Community leaders, including Prince Stephen from Ondori, praised the company’s commitment to improving living conditions in the area. He commended Olam for its numerous interventions that have improved education, infrastructure, and transportation.
Motorcycle riders and other road users also hailed the grading effort, saying it will ease the movement of farm produce between Doma and Benue States while stimulating business growth.
Similarly, the District Head of Rukubi, Hassan Angulu Osaka, said the project would help curb insecurity along the route, while residents of surrounding communities such as Sukene and Akure Bassa (Kure Makaranta) lauded Olam for bringing development to long-neglected areas.
They, however, appealed to the local, state, and federal governments to complement Olam’s effort by ensuring the full reconstruction of the road for long-term durability.
“Before the grading, it took us over an hour and thirty minutes to reach Rukubi, with many forced to cross the Ohina Bridge by canoe. We thank Olam Rice Farm for this great relief,” said Mr. Augustine, a resident of Kure Makaranta.
The ongoing project has been described by many as a significant milestone in fostering rural connectivity, improving livelihoods, and deepening corporate-community partnership in Nasarawa State.
