Nigeria, Aug. 2 -- Development is often measured by statistics such as gross domestic product, internally generated revenue, and investment figures. For ordinary citizens, however, development is far more practical. It is measured by how quickly a patient gets to a hospital, whether farmers can transport their produce to market before it spoils, and whether roads connect communities to opportunity rather than isolate them.

Infrastructure is more than concrete, steel, and asphalt. It is the foundation upon which economic growth and improved living standards are built.

When Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq assumed office in May 2019, Kwara State faced years of infrastructure deficit. Outside Ilorin, many communities struggled with poor ro...