A call has been made for the establishment of the Lokoja Metropolitan Development Authority. The body is to be charged with the responsibility of planning, monitoring and controlling development within 16 km radius as encapsulated in the Kogi State land use act of 1991.
The call was contained in a report presented by the study group on the development of the Lokoja Metropolitan area to the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Reinde Ashagun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Land and Urban Matters said the need for the setting up of the Development Authority, followed the study conducted on the Ganaja – Ajaokuta, Lokoja – Okene, Lokoja – Obajana and Lokoja – Abuja corridor.
The Special Adviser said the State can witness accelerated development if adequate attention is given to development with the 16 km radius policy, adding that what presently exist in the State at the moment are uncoordinated and haphazard developments threatening the entire landscape into slum.
The study group also called for the establishment of a Lokoja Metropolitan Area consultative forum, to integrate host communities within the 16 km radius into the planning process and development.
The group called for a strong, efficient and effective Town Planning Board, equipped with adequate resource to carry out its statutory function.
While thanking the State Governor for reposing confidence in them to carry out the assignment, they expressed confidence in his leadership in taking the State to the Promised Land.
Receiving the report on behalf of Capt. Idris Wada, Yomi Awoniyi State Deputy Governor said the time for the State to get it right in having coordinated development is now.
The Governor promised a detailed study of the report, assured that no sacrifice will be too much in making Lokoja a befitting capital city, adding that the present administration is resolutely committed to doing what is right and to act urgently.
