By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday undertook a working visit to Eika, Ihima, and several communities in Okehi local government area to evaluate the extent of the devastation wrought by the June 16 rainstorm in the area with the intention of addressing its challenges.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the Governor said he was touched by the disaster caused by the rainstorm in the state.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, during the scene inspection, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims of the rainstorm, describing it as a catastrophic event that resulted in the destruction of properties valued at hundreds of millions.
He stated that having assessed the number of homes and properties lost, the government is committed to providing immediate relief to the affected individuals, aiming to alleviate their hardships and restore their hope for a brighter future.
Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to the residents for their immense support of the Kogi State Government and the All Progressives Congress, assuring them that the present administration will not abandon them in their time of need.
Earlier, in his remarks, Hon. Atima Muktar, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, noted that the rainstorm affected over four hundred homes and caused property damage worth over one hundred million. He urged both the federal and state governments to intervene swiftly and provide assistance to the victims.
On his part, Barr. Deedat Ozigi, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for prioritizing infrastructure development and the welfare of the people of the state.
Similarly, Hon. Monday Amoka, the Executive Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, stated that over four hundred homes were destroyed by the rainstorm on June 16th across many communities in the local government. He conveyed the residents’ gratitude for the government’s presence and support for the victims, expressing appreciation for the construction of good roads, while pledging their support for Governor Ododo’s reelection in 2027 as a means of reciprocating the current administration’s goodwill.
In a response on behalf of the victims, Mallam Yusuf Ajinodu Ihiovi expressed gratitude to the Governor and his team for their solidarity, urging a quick response to the needs of the affected families and households to fasten their recovery from the losses incurred.
The Governor and his entourage made a brief visit to the palace of the Ohi of Okehi Local Government, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Ogido Abdulraheem, and the Ezu of Egiri Clan, His Royal Highness Mallam Suleiman Omeiza Umar.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were Hon. Zack Otokiti, Assembly Member representing Okehi State Constituency; Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Barr. Salam Deedat Ozigi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Timothy Ojoma, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Hon. Yakubu Siaka Adabenege, the Auditor General for Local Government; and Hon. Onoja James, Zonal Security Adviser to the Governor for Idah Federal Constituency, among others.
