Like every other State in Nigeria, Kogi State has its ups and down especially as it relates to the issues of dwindling financial resources during the Capt Idris Wada’s administration.
The cheering news however when compared to what is obtained presently in the state is the fact that Governor Idris Wada has proven that he is a man imbued with a high sense of service, discipline, transparency, little wonder many are saying he is what the state needs going forward in the forthcoming November governorship election.
Despite the noticed challenges posed to governance in the country, Kogi State under the leadership of Gov Idris Wada remained a work in progress.
Towards expanding the frontiers of infrastructural and human capital development, the Wada administration in line with the driving force of a legacy of continuity, completed all projects he inherited from past administrations and also embarked on new ones, that have direct impact on the lives of the people.
Until April 2015, payment of salaries had been regular despite the shortfall in fiscal allocation. The administration particularly placed emphasis on youth employment, empowerment, and carried out several micro credit schemes amongst several other scheme to empower the citizens.
Also, the administration improved on educational and health facilities it met on the ground across the state. The administration’s agricultural policy also placed the state on the world map as a potential food basket.
58 road Construction projects and rehabilitation stretching over 700kms, including the ongoing but abandoned welcome to Lokoja – International Market Road, Lokoja Township Road, Ganaja-Otokiti Bypass road, Odenyi-Oguma-Sheria road, Ankpa-Okaba road, Idah Township, Ogaminana-Obangede-Kabba Junction roads, and others across the state were completed or are still ongoing and handed over to the present administration.
The Wada administration also established and equipped Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) charged with the responsibility of ensuring that roads in the State are motorable.
The administration constructed a 500 Housing Units Estate at Ganaja and Crusher areas of the state. This is aside the 282 units post flood houses it had earlier completed.
Under the Water Scheme initiatives of the Wada administration, was the Kabba Dam resuscitation, Ozi Dam resuscitation, Rehabilitation of water schemes in Ankpa, Idah, Egbe, Isanlu, Agaliga, Imane, Ajaka, Oguma, Ogori & Magongo, Obangede, Aiyetoro-Gbede,Okegboro, Idoji North.
Under the Rural Electrification Projects: Over 250 communities were electrified, and many others are still on-going as work in progress and inherited by the present administration.
In the Rural Water Projects: More than 300 communities were provided with bore holes while the monthly payment of 100 million Naira as maintenance fee for Lokoja City Water projects remained an efforts of the Wada administration. Local Engineers were also recruited to understudy the Chinese Engineers which enabled them to take-over the maintenance of the facilities after the Chinese left.
In all, the Capt Wada administration has no doubt proven that it was focused and people centered. The secret of the administration as a success can best be compared with what is obtained presently.
So far, Capt. Wada has shown that he had a vision, was a great manager of resources as well as a leader whose style of leadership enabled the state attained its peak in an austere situation.
In the last few years, Capt Wada has been able to prove that through selfless service, grand vision, integrity and the courage to stay the course that he represents, a solid foundation can be laid for the state.
As the Kogi people look towards November, when a new leader would be elected, it is important to ensure that the wheel of development that was left behind by Capt Wada, is kept on course in the State, by ensuring that he is given the PDP ticket. For the PDP, the word of caution is not to sacrifice excellence on the alter of politics. The peace and stability, that was an unquantifiable asset, enjoyed in the state during the Wada administration must be craved for, to enable him complete the sustained vision he had for the state.
Beyond sweet talk, Kogi was placed on the threshold of genuine transformation during the Wada era. This is evidenced in outstanding results, improved infrastructure, the peace and tranquility that abound the state.
This feat was achieved through a leadership that was consistent, focused and purposed driven.
The years of Capt Wada administration as governor in all honesty when summed up, putting empirical evidence into perspective, calls for sober reflection.
– Abu Oshiomieh M., a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Lokoja.
