18 Years of Igala Governorship and 18 Undeniable Special Gifts to Kogi State – Adamu Ojonugwa

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I am proudly Igala. I love being Igala.

Kogi state was created in 1991 and as God destined, Igala had the privilege of laying a good foundation for the state and build a solid structure for the greatness of Kogi. With humility and reverence to Almighty, we produced Governors Abubakar Audu, Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada. All together, these great men led Kogi for 16 years. Audu held sway for 6 years, Ibrahim Idris was at the helm of affairs for 8years and Idris Wada will complete his 4 year term tomorrow.

I am proudly Igala. I love being Igala.

In these 18 years, sentiments aside, these worthy Igala sons presented 18 undeniable special gifts to Kogi state. Each of these men sure have their weak points but it will be ungodly to shy away from the lofty projects executed by these men. As power seems to be shifting, either for 6 months or 4 years, I am proud of my kinsmen. We wait to see who will surpass these 18 great gifts to Kogi state under Igala rule.

1. Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja (With Osara and Itakpe Campuses)

An Igala man, Prince Abubakar Audu established this great institution in the state capital city during his first spell as governor between 1992 and 1993. With campuses in Osara and Itakpe, both in Ebiraland, this institution has provided opportunities for higher learning and jobs for all Kogi indigenes.

2. Kogi State University, Anyigba

Prince Abubakar Audu, six months into his administration established this high-rising institution in January 2000. Kindly note that this was the second state university in the entire Northern Nigeria. That is, Kogi State had a state university before older states like Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and others. This institution has trained thousands of Kogi indigenes from all senatorial districts. Another great initiative from Igala rule.

3. Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba

After a motion raised by erudite Barrister Henry Ojuola on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly, the then Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris established a full-fledged College of Education in Kabba. This institution is growing on a daily basis. The government of Idris Wada invested much in this institution. Kogi indigenes irrespective of their tribe are learning and working there.

4. Obajana Cement Company, Obajana

This is a major proof of Igala ingenuity. An Igala governor, Prince Audu, conceived and executed this gigantic project that has grown to become the largest cement factory in Africa! This project has created jobs, businesses and improved revenue for the state that successive governments will benefit from.

5. Allo Cement Factory, Itobe

Located in Itobe, this cement company is at 90% completion stage. Initiated and being executed by the Idris Wada government, this project will further help diversify Kogi economy. Is that not what most Kogi professionals home and abroad clamour for? Igala rule is giving positive answers to that.

6. Kogi Mega Terminal, Lokoja

A few days ago, history was made in Lokoja with the commissioning of the largest Motor Terminal in West Africa in Lokoja, Kogi State. This is a further testimony to Igala’s leadership potency.

7. Confluence Stadium, Lokoja

The 25,000 seater Confluence Stadium in Lokoja is undoubtedly one of the best stadia in Nigeria today. The stadium project was started by Ibrahim Idris and was faithfully completed by the Idris Wada administration.

8. Best Civil Servants Salary Package in North Central Nigeria

Today, salary structure for civil servants in Kogi State is the highest in the whole of North Central Nigeria and practically one of the highest in the whole country. Igalas believe in the wellbeing of civil servants. This salary structure was approved by Ibrahim Idris government.

9. Stella Obasanjo Library, Lokoja

Education is the bedrock of societal development. Aside establishing University, Polytechnic and a College of Education, under Igala rule, a befitting state library was established under the Abubakar Audu regime.

10. Specialist Hospital, Lokoja

Health, they say, is wealth. Under the Ibrahim Idris administration, health sector got a huge boost with the establishment of a standard and well equipped Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. The impact is quite huge.

11. Greater Lokoja Water Project

When Kogi state was created, we all came to a state capital that was small, dirty and without pipe borne water. Under Ibrahim Idris, water started flowing in our homes all across the capital city. The popular ‘Ibro Water’ has improved the standard of living in Lokoja.

12. Confluence Radio Stations, Lokoja (Egbe, Otite)

The main radio stations operating in Kogi state today were established during Igala rule. Stations were established in Lokoja, Otite and Egbe.

13. About 2,000 Owner-Occupier Housing Estates

Under Igala progressive leadership in Kogi state, the novel owner-occupier housing scheme was initiated. This is another major initiative of class from a Igala brain. Lokongoma Housing Estates (Pahse 1 and Phase 2), 1 200 Housing Estate, 2nd 200 Housing Estate, 500 Units Housing Estate, Otokiti and another 500 Units Bond Housing Estate under constructions are evergreen projects that are worthy of commendation. Today, thousands of Kogi State civil servants have become proud house owners because of this novel initiative.

 

14. Kogi Fertilizer Company, Agbeji

Another commendable effort to diversify Kogi economy and create jobs for our people. This company is operational and adds to the states revenue.

15. Payment of WAEC Fees

Under Igala rule, the state government decided to take financial burdens off the shoulders of Kogi fathers and mothers by paying WAEC and NECO fees for all students. This is commendable.

16. Kogi State Diagnostic Hospital, Lokoja

The diagnostic centre beside Kogi Specialist hospital is a great project. The building is almost completed but all needed equipments have been procured. Medical referrals from within and outside Kogi state will be handled here. This will surely contribute to medical tourism opportunities in Kogi state. This is yet another great project executed under Igala rule.

17. Graphics Newspaper

The state -owned newspaper company was established by the Prince Audu government and has since waxed stronger under successive Igala rule.

18. Peaceful Co-existence

This is evident all across the state. Kogi is one of the most peaceful plural states in Nigeria. Igala rule has set a challenge for subsequent governments to match.

These 18 lofty undeniable projects did not include several road constructions, electrification projects, rural water schemes among others.

It will be remembered in days to come that an Igala governor paved way for N50.8b bailout to pay our long-suffering workers, N20b bond to finance the upgrading of welcome to lokoja-nataco junction road, New otokiti-ganaja dual carriage road, 250-bed Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, construction of 500 housing units in Lokoja, Okene and Anyigba, Kogi House in Abuja and other projects. Wada only accessed N8b while the remaining N12b will be enjoyed by the incoming government.

Just yesterday, I noticed that work has commenced on the 1st Flyover in Kogi state along Ganaja junction.

Posterity will be fair to Igalas in Kogi State.

– Ojonugwa Adamu, Lokoja.


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