Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has assured that the fight against gully erosion will be a coordinated battle.
Bello gave the assurance during the flag off of the presentation of compensation cheques to affected persons in Ozuri gully erosion site in Adavi local government area of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Ohere, Bello vowed that no stone will be left unturned until the fight against gully erosion is won across the state.
He described gully erosion as a hydra headed monster which requires massive resources.
He explained that the partnership with World Bank and ecological fund office is aimed at ensuring that the state is gully erosion free.
Bello said the state government will keep a keen eye on the Ozuri project because of the importance of the project to the lives and well-being of the people.
The Governor called for cooperation from the benefiting community towards ensuring that the contractor feels at home.
He stated that the presentation of cheques to persons affected by the project underscores the determination of his administration to fight the ravaging enemy called gully erosion.
He urged the beneficiaries of the compensation to ensure that they use the money for the purposes they are being compensated for and to vacate the properties within the stipulated period.
He assured of timely completion of the project.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner for Environment, Victor Omofaiye lauded the efforts of Gov. Yahaya Bello at flattening the curve created by the menace of gully erosion in the state.
He described the governor’s efforts as a paradigm shift from the syndrome of incumbent administrations who abandon projects initiated by their predecessors over what many have come to tag as politics of hatred and bitterness.
Omofaiye said the Ozuri gully erosion control work is expected to be completed within 12 months of commencement. He called for cooperation from the benefiting community and serious commitment on the part of the contractor.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Kogi State Project Coordinator for NEWMAP, Barr. Ahmed Ladi Jatto said the development of Ozuri gully erosion in Adavi LGA started as far back as 2010 without a solution.
She said until the coming of the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello, the erosion has consumed people’s houses, farmlands, destroyed government infrastructure and access roads.
The Project Coordinator described Gov. Yahaya Bello as the environmental friendly governor of the state whose love for the well being of the people is second to none.
She disclosed that the intervention of Gov. Bello in Agassa, Adum, Ankpa, Idah, Kabba Bunu and in Ofu, as well as in his efforts in facilitating the building and the installation of solar powered garri processing plant situated in Ahoeze underscores his love for the people.
The climax of the flag off of occasion was the presentation of cheques to the project affected persons by Gov. Yahaya Bello.