A civil society organization, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement (INGRA), has commended Kogi state government for the construction Zone 8 – Kabba junction road.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Hamza Aliyu, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Friday, INGRA noted that successive governments in the state have attempted to solve the Zone 8-kabba junction road to no avail until the Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello-led administration began construction in 2023.
The civil society organization said the new administration of Alhaji Usman Ododo surprised everyone with the speed and dedication it has completed the project with 10 months of the administration.
“This has brought a huge relief to residents of the area and rejuvenated their belief in this administration.
We wish to commend His Excellency for this feat as it has far reaching implications economically and health wise on the area. This is what governance should feel.
“The removal of fuel subsidy by the President Ahmed Tinubu Government on the 29th of May 2023 exposed the weak infrastructure and poor public sector service provision especially movement of people, goods and services that is critical for development. This is particularly true in these settlements. The absence of a road network and a proper mass transit system, further exacerbated the situation with its attendant consequences such as insecurity, high cost of transport, a bad health situation due to the tremendous dust that residents are exposed to during the harmattan season. and weak standard of living, thereby putting pressure on resources with the State Capital,” the statement said.
INGRA called on the Governor to also take over and complete the Ganaja road so that Lokoja citizens will finally feel the full effects of the ‘Ododo Magic’.
The civil society organization also urged Kogi state government to, as a matter of urgency, follow up this remarkable achievements on roads by establishing a functional mass transit system in Lokoja, the state capital.
“It is sad that citizens are left at the mercy of Keke and okada operators who decide how and at what cost transport is in the State.
“This is a major reason for the high cost of food and services in the State. It will also reduce the hardship brought about by the removal of the fuel Subsidy on the citizens,” the statement added.
INGRA called on citizens to always actively engage their government, pay their taxes and protect public infrastructure.
