Kogi state: Ododo flags off development of 37km Idah–Ibaji highway

The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the development of the 37-kilometre Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega highway, linking Idah native authorities space to the headquarters of Ibaji native authorities space, with a completion interval of 30 months.

Speaking on the flag-off ceremony, Ododo described the challenge as a serious step in the direction of fulfilling his administration’s dedication to opening up rural communities and connecting residents to higher financial alternatives.

“When I promised to fix this road, some people were already asking why work had not started. But governance is not a magic show. I cannot bring equipment here for the cameras only to take them away the next day. We took our time to complete the necessary due diligence. Now we are ready, now we are here, and now the work begins,” he mentioned.

According to him, his administration wouldn’t enable political disagreements to find out the distribution of infrastructure and different growth tasks throughout the state.

“Even if you hate Ododo, please love development. A child should not be denied food because the parents disagree. I am here for development, and I will not be distracted,” the governor declared.

He recommended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his management and financial reforms, expressing appreciation for the federal authorities’s help in the direction of growth on the state degree.

Describing the Idah–Ibaji highway as a historic intervention, Governor Ododo mentioned its completion would enhance entry to markets, strengthen transportation networks and create higher alternatives for farmers, merchants, younger folks and households.

He charged CCECC to ship high quality work in accordance with the accepted specs, warning that the folks of the realm had waited lengthy sufficient for a sturdy highway.

In a associated growth, Governor Ododo cautioned conventional rulers towards actions able to producing communal crises and insecurity, urging them to make use of their positions to advertise peace and unity.

He warned that any conventional ruler discovered culpable of instigating battle between communities would face the results in accordance with the legislation and relevant procedures.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Hon Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the flag-off because the fulfilment of a long-awaited promise to the folks of Idah and Ibaji.

He mentioned the Idah–Ibaji highway had remained a serious problem for residents for over twenty years, explaining that its deplorable situation had affected transportation, agricultural manufacturing, healthcare supply and different financial actions.

“For over 20 years, the Idah–Ibaji road has been a nightmare, a story of pain and loss. It is a road that cuts off our people during the rainy season. Farmers lose their produce, mothers find it difficult to access hospitals, and our economic life is crippled by flooding and failed portions,” he mentioned.

The commissioner additionally appealed to residents, conventional rulers and different stakeholders to supply a peaceable working atmosphere for the contractors and shield authorities property.

In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Ibaji and Idah native authorities areas, Hon. Alexander Ukwela and Hon. Sule Amodu, respectively, expressed appreciation to the governor for commencing the challenge.