By Mariam Adams.
Kogi State Government has flagged off a cheque presentation ceremony for the compensation of Project Affected Persons in Omigbo gully erosion project.
The event which was held on Friday at Omigbo in Kabba Local Government Area, marks a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to combat erosion and flooding by addressing the long standing ecological challenges in the community.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Usman Ododo, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, reiterated the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological management.
He noted that the state government has secured a facility from the World Bank ACReSAL Project and the Federal Government to address the erosion menace in Omigbo and other communities.
The Commissioner commended the Governor for his leadership and commitment to continuity in governance, citing the N600 million counterpart contribution to the ACReSAL Project as a testament to his dedication to the cause
He further appreciated the State Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, and her team for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
He acknowledged their tireless efforts in addressing the ecological challenges and ensuring environmental sustainability in the Kogi state.
He, however, urged the community to cooperate with the contractor to ensure a smooth and timely delivery of the project
Earlier, the Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Chief Ladi Ahmed Jatto expressed excitement and gratitude to the state government, the World Bank, and the Federal Government for their partnership in the project.
She highlighted the project’s objectives, including addressing poverty, low literacy, conflict, natural resource degradation, poor agricultural productivity, climate risks, desertification, and weak institutional capacity in northern Nigeria.
The Project Coordinator commended Governor Ododo for his environmental leadership and commitment to the project, citing the recent approval of an additional N600 million as counterpart funds.
Speaking further, she disclosed that the next community to visit in the coming week would be Olubojo in Ankpa Local Government for documentation, validation and payment of compensation.
She further urged project-affected persons to use the compensation money wisely and to vacate the gully corridor within the given timeframe.
She encouraged those whose houses were not captured to see the intervention as an opportunity for an upgrade, as the project will bring significant growth to the area.
Traditional and state leaders, including the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, and Caretaker of Kabba Bunu Local Government, Hon. Dare Zacchaeus, commended the state government for its efforts in addressing the ecological challenges in the state.
They urged the community to support the project and cooperate with the contractor to ensure its successful completion
The beneficiaries responded with gratitude praising the Kogi State Government, ACReSAL and the Federal Government for their efforts in addressing the long-standing ecological challenges in Omigbo while expressing their appreciation for the compensation and the opportunities that the project brings to their community.
They pledged to cooperate with the contractor and the project team to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The event ended with the presentation of cheques to the project-affected persons.
