Residents of Alagbon Odetunde in Bode Saadu have highly commended Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his administration's efforts on the ongoing Bode Saadu-Kaiama Road construction project.

The residents described the intervention as life-changing, noting that for years they had been isolated, relying only on narrow footpaths to access their farms. The poor road networks severely hindered trade, often causing their farm produce to rot due to difficulty in transportation.

During a media tour of the project site by journalists, some residents expressed profound gratitude to the state and federal governments, as well as the BUA Group, for their joint intervention which, they said, has significantly improved their living conditions.

The road project was facilitated by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and is being executed by the BUA Group under the Federal Government's Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. It forms part of a 200-kilometre network designed to enhance intra- and inter-state connectivity, boost economic activities, and improve access to agricultural communities.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Sulaiman Odetunde, a farmer and Youth Leader of the town, said: "We thank Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for bringing development to our area, especially this road project. We never believed it would be dualised, but now we can see remarkable progress. Different vehicles now ply the road, and it has become easier for us farmers to move our crops from the farm to the market."

He added that the road, which stretches from Bode Saadu through Kaiama and Banni, links several communities including Lasaki, Elesin, Olokiti, and Sabon Gari, among others.

"Before, we lived like we were in the bush. Transporting our farm produce was nearly impossible, and even getting a motorcycle was a challenge. Now, we can move freely and engage in trade with nearby towns," he said.

Odetunde also appealed to investors to take advantage of the improved infrastructure and establish businesses in the area.

"We have vast lands and now a good road. We welcome investors in the commercial, industrial, and educational sectors," he added.

Also speaking, Kudirat Abdulfatai, a provision business owner, said the road project has significantly reduced transportation costs.

"Before, we paid as much as N1,000 to get to the market; now it's N500. We are very grateful to the government. Previously, we struggled to transport goods, but now movement is easy. The only thing we still need is an open market where we can display and sell our products conveniently," she said.

She further explained that before the construction, residents lived in unhygienic conditions due to poor access roads.

"We used to trek through bush paths, and rats, reptiles, and other pests invaded our homes. Since the road construction reached our community, our environment has become cleaner and safer," she noted.

The residents collectively appreciated both the state and federal governments for remembering their community, urging the authorities to establish a market that would further boost local trade and development.