The Afon Constituency Progressive Association has called on the Federal and Kwara State Governments to prioritise infrastructure development in rural communities to enhance agricultural productivity, stimulate commerce and improve the living standards of residents.

The appeal was made during the association's third anniversary celebration held in Lagos, where members also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the Ganmo-Ododo Junction electrification project.

National Chairman of the association, Mr Bolarinwa Abdulfatai Adigun, said the 138 communities that make up Afon Constituency continue to face serious infrastructure challenges, stressing that improved roads, healthcare facilities and access to potable water are essential to unlocking the area's economic potential.

He specifically appealed to the Kwara State Government to reconstruct the Ganmo-Afon Road, describing it as a strategic route linking the Aboto-Oja International Market.

According to him, the poor condition of the road has hampered commercial activities and made the movement of people and goods increasingly difficult.

Adigun, who also serves as the Lagos State Chairman of the association, expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the Ganmo to Ododo Junction electrification project, describing it as a major relief for communities that have been without electricity for over 12 years.

He said the prolonged power outage had negatively affected businesses and social development across the constituency.

"We are celebrating our third anniversary today. The association represents about 138 communities in Afon District. We are also here to appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for listening to our appeal.

"For the past 12 to 13 years, our people have lived without electricity. We presented our request through the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, and the governor responded positively after learning about the situation.

"We were informed through the Commissioner for Energy, Engr AbdulAzeez Kola AbdulGaniy, that the governor has approved the electrification project. We sincerely appreciate him for listening to our people.

"We also appeal to the governor to reconstruct the Ganmo-Ododo Road. The Aboto-Oja International Market is gradually declining because of the poor state of the road. Reconstructing it will revive commercial activities in the area," he said.

Reviewing the association's achievements over the past three years, Adigun disclosed that members contributed about N12.5 million towards the purchase and installation of drainage pipes to repair erosion-damaged sections of the road network within the constituency.

He added that the association also recruited local vigilantes to strengthen community security and improve safety across the area.

Residents who attended the event welcomed the ongoing electrification project, expressing optimism that it would improve living conditions, stimulate businesses and boost economic activities in the constituency.

They appealed to the government to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Also speaking, the President of the Afon Youth Association, Mr Razak Buhari, urged indigenes of the constituency to remain united and continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development across Afon District.