The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, has intensified his administration’s infrastructure drive with the award of contracts for the construction of three strategic asphalt roads across the local government.
The projects, awarded to M/s RCSY Construction Nigeria Limited, comprise the Oshigbudu–Atakpa Road, Market Square–Onchali Road and Adokpa–Och’Adogoji Road. According to Ejeh, construction work on the three roads is expected to commence in the fourth week of September 2026, with the projects designed to provide safer, more durable and efficient transportation links for residents and communities across Agatu.
He said the roads would be constructed with asphalt pavement and concrete drainage systems to guarantee durability and minimise the impact of erosion and flooding. The Oshigbudu–Atakpa Road, he explained, would also complete the Oshigbudu–Atakpa section of the Oshigbudu–Ogbaulu Odugbeho Road corridor, further opening up the area and improving connectivity between communities.
Ejeh described the development as a landmark achievement for the local government, noting that it represents a major step in the council’s determination to bring quality infrastructure closer to the people. “For the first time since its establishment, the Agatu Local Government Council is constructing quality asphalt roads within Agatu,” the chairman said.
He attributed the council’s ability to embark on the projects to the administrative independence and support extended to local governments by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Ejeh commended the governor for creating an enabling environment for local government councils to function effectively and respond more directly to the developmental needs of their people.
The chairman also acknowledged the intervention of Hon. Ojotu Ojema, member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, particularly his contribution to the Oshigbudu–Atakpa Road. He said Ojema had already constructed a substantial portion of the road using quality materials, an intervention which significantly reduced the financial burden of completing the project.
The latest infrastructure initiative adds to a series of interventions aimed at repositioning Agatu after years of insecurity and displacement. With relative improvement in security, efforts to restore normal economic and social activities have gained momentum, including the return of residents to some previously affected communities and renewed agricultural activities. The renewed development push is also coming alongside efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, with the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion around the Ekaida–Egba axis expected to boost security coverage in the area.
Ejeh said the administration would continue to prioritise projects that have direct impact on communities, particularly roads and other infrastructure capable of stimulating agriculture, trade and local commerce. He stated that the council’s development philosophy was centred on reaching communities at the grassroots and ensuring that government presence was felt beyond the local government headquarters.
The three newly awarded road projects are therefore expected to serve not only as transportation infrastructure but also as important links for farmers, traders, students and other residents whose economic and social activities depend on reliable road networks. Ejeh reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people, stressing that the council would continue to pursue projects capable of laying the foundation for sustainable development across Agatu. The chairman said the ultimate objective remained the building of a more connected, peaceful and economically vibrant Agatu, “one community at a time.”
