Residents of Lokoja, most especially those whose properties were destroyed along the on- going construction of Ganaja- Otokiti by-pass, have expressed satisfaction over the commitment of the Kogi State Government to keeping to its promise of compensating the affected property owners.
Though a cross section of the beneficiaries spoken to claimed the money they spent on the property out-weighed the amount government paid to them, but they were quick to add that, “we are happy and satisfied with governmental efforts and we are fulfilled that the government kept to its promises of compensating us. It is part of our sacrifice to ensure the actualization of effort”.
They commended the governor of the state, Capt. Idris Wada for embarking on such lofty projects just as they stressed the need to ensure quick completion and quality job.
According to Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi, one of the beneficiaries said, “since, we have been crying of development and now that the government has made efforts to create new by- pass for us, I see it as part of my sacrifice, I’m okay with what was given to me, we need development”.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Walta Obodoako said he is happy that the government paid compensation to affected property owners, stressing that the governor has fulfilled his promise and “I’m happy about it even though it is not up to what I put in but he (governor) has said it repeatedly that we should be ready to pay sacrifice and I want to abide by it and I have given my own part of sacrifice all for the development of the state”, he said.
Mr. Obodoako said he spent close to N2 million naira on the land and he received compensation of N1.4 million, stressing that government has done well. He however appealed to government to provide them with another land to make up the loss.
Also, Alhaji Danlami Jibril who resides behind Moremi restaurant, Lokoja praised the government for its gesture. He said that the governor is a listening leader who has the feelings of kogians at heart.
Majority of those who spoke with The Graphic commended government initiative, just as they called for quick completion of the by- pass as well as ensure quality works. They also called for more of such roads within Lokoja metropolis so as to ease problem of traffic being experienced in the state capital.
Source: The Graphic Newspaper
