In the heart of Kogi State, Nigeria, lies Ankpa Local Government, a place once considered a stronghold in the state’s political landscape. Known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location, Ankpa was expected to be a beacon of progress and development.
However, as time has passed, it has sadly transformed into a stark representation of a region deprived of the dividends of democracy.
In this article,I will look at the challenges Ankpa faces, including the lack of electricity, poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, and struggling schools.
Ankpa Local Government has been a significant player in Kogi State’s political dynamics, with a history of active participation in elections and governance.
Yet, despite its political significance, the region has been consistently overlooked in terms of development. The promise of a better future remains elusive to the residents of Ankpa.
One of the most pressing issues in Ankpa is the lack of electricity. Despite the availability of energy resources in the state, Ankpa remains shrouded in darkness.
This absence of a basic amenity has dire consequences for the daily lives of its people. Without electricity, residents face difficulties in conducting businesses, students find it challenging to study, and healthcare facilities are burdened with the task of providing care without proper lighting and equipment.
Ankpa’s road infrastructure is in a pitiable state. The roads are not just poorly maintained; they are virtually non-existent in some areas.
This severely hampers transportation and connectivity within the local government, leading to isolation and the inability to access basic services and markets. It also hinders economic activities and limits opportunities for growth.
The dire state of healthcare facilities and education in Ankpa exacerbates the suffering of its residents. Primary health centers are ill-equipped, and skilled medical personnel are scarce. This lack of access to quality healthcare is a direct threat to the well-being of the community.
Likewise, the educational sector in Ankpa is far from desirable. Schools, which should be the bedrock of knowledge and skill development, are struggling due to a lack of resources, poorly trained teachers, and inadequate infrastructure. This hinders the potential of the younger generation and stifles their aspirations.
The residents of Ankpa Local Government have long been crying out for meaningful development and positive change. The promises of successive administrations have not translated into tangible improvements in their lives. As a result, the people are stuck in a cycle of poverty and deprivation, with no relief in sight.
Ankpa Local Government, once a stronghold in Kogi State’s political landscape, has been left behind in the pursuit of progress and development.
The absence of electricity, poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, and struggling schools are glaring issues that demand immediate attention.
It is high time for the government to fulfill its promises and extend the dividends of democracy to the forgotten people of Ankpa, so they can finally experience the development and prosperity they deserve.
– Muhammed Ibrahim, educationist and current affair analyst, writes from Abuja.
