- Decries Persistent Water Scarcity in Lokoja
Coalition of civil society organizations, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), has called on the state government to regularize the employment of the newly recruited teachers and pay their salaries.
The call was made during the 2nd quarter 2023 press briefing by KONGONET on in Lokoja on Thursday.
At the press briefing addressed by Idris Ozovehe Muraina and Ibiteye Bola, Chairperson and Assistant Secretary respectively, KONGONET called for revitalization of the education system by giving special attention to basic education through increased funding, infrastructure improvement, and recruitment of qualified primary school teachers.
A member of KONGONET, the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), through her state coordinator, lamented the decline in education standard across the state.
CSACEFA noted that the non-payment of the newly recruited teachers had already dampening their spirit and reduced productivity, hence the non- effectiveness of the newly recruited teachers across the state.
“Education sector has experienced a decline in standards, with inadequate funding, poorly equipped schools especially basic education in the state, and a shortage of qualified teachers, the services of the recently recruited teachers have not been efficiently put into use.
“The consequences of these deficiencies are evident in the generation of students in Kogi State ill-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world,” he said.
Also, KONGONET called on Kogi state government to prioritize investments in water infrastructure and make funds available to fix the Greater Lokoja Water Project that is currently going moribund.
Within the reporting period, KONGONET acknowledged the challenges faced by many communities in Kogi State, including Lokoja, in accessing safe drinking water. The coalition, however, urged the state government to ensure that all citizens have access to clean and safe water sources.
This, KONGONET said, will not only improve public health but also promote economic development and social well-being.
The coalition noted that improvement of water supply infrastructure and the implementation of effective management systems to ensure access to clean and safe water for all communities.
“Water supply, a basic necessity for human survival and it remains a dire concern for the citizens of Kogi State. Inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and mismanagement have left many communities without access to clean and safe water sources, resulting in increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“The Kogi State capital is worst hit of recent as Lokoja residents have been cut-off from water supply for over two months and counting,” he said.
KONGONET called on government and other stakeholders to support the agricultural sector in the state through the provision of modern farming techniques, access to credit facilities, and the establishment of agricultural extension services.
The coalition, however, called on Kogi state government to halt ongoing plans to sell-off fixed assets of the agricultural ministry across the three senatorial districts.
Concerned civil society organizations (CSOs) intervening on agricultural programmes in the state and other stakeholders expressed deep concern over the neglect and liquidation of assets within the Ministry of Agriculture across the three senatorial districts of the state within the quarter.
They called on Kogi state government to prioritize the agricultural sector and refrain from any further liquidation of vital assets that are crucial to the development and prosperity of the state.
“Agriculture, a vital sector for economic growth and food security, has also been neglected. Insufficient investment, limited access to modern farming techniques, and inadequate support for farmers have hindered the sector’s potential. As a result, agricultural productivity has suffered, exacerbating food scarcity and hindering economic development. Worst of it all, is the ongoing liquidation of some fixed assets of the agricultural ministry across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Liquidating assets within the Ministry of Agriculture is not only short-sighted but also detrimental to the future of our state. These assets, including farmlands, equipment, research facilities, and extension services, are essential for the advancement of modern farming techniques, improved crop yields, and sustainable agricultural practices. By liquidating these assets, we are undermining the potential for agricultural development and jeopardizing the future of our farmers and communities.
“We firmly believe that the Kogi State government must recognize the critical importance of the agricultural sector and take immediate action to reverse the damage that has been done.
“We call upon the government to invest in agriculture, allocate adequate resources and funding towards agricultural development programs, infrastructure improvement, and the provision of necessary agricultural inputs and services. This investment will unlock the potential of our farmers, enhance productivity, and contribute to the economic growth of our state.
“The state government should protect Ministry of Agriculture assets and cease any further liquidation of assets within the Ministry of Agriculture. Instead, it should prioritize the maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion of these assets to ensure their usability and effectiveness in supporting the agricultural sector.”
The concerned CSOs further called on the state government to promote agricultural research and extension services as well as offer support to smallholder farmers in the state.
Muraina assured that KONGONET will consistently support laudable initiatives of government to ameliorate the suffering of Kogites and ensure the state upholds the tenets of democracy and fair play in her administration of collective resources.
