By Stephen Adeleye.
The Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State is in mourning following a tragic boat accident on the River Niger that claimed scores of lives on Sept. 29.
In the aftermath of the devastating incident, the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN), has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to approve the construction of a modern farm produce market in Ibaji and the rehabilitation of the Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway.
The boat mishap occurred when a large wooden boat conveying traders from Ibaji to Ilushi market in Edo State capsized, killing dozens of people.
Over 30 corpses have been recovered, and several others are still missing.
The COIYN attributed the tragedy to the lack of basic infrastructure in Ibaji, including a modern market and motorable roads, which forces the people to travel through dangerous waters to sell their farm produce.
In a statement jointly signed by its Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Mr Tony Edike and National Coordinator, Mr Jerry Nwuchola, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja, the COIYN urged President Tinubu to intervene in the affairs of Ibaji LGA, which has been neglected for decades.
The group appealed to the President to construct a centrally located, accessible, and functional large market in Ibaji, which would eliminate the need for the people to travel to far-off markets via hazardous waterways.
“Despite being a major producer of rice, yam, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce.
“We hereby passionately appeals to the government to construct a centrally located Large Market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy,” the group stated
The COIYN also urged the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, which would reduce travel time from Anambra to the FCT Abuja and provide an alternative route for the people.
The group emphasized that the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the road would not only prevent future tragedies but also stimulate commercial activity and employment in the region.
““Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly.
“We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,” the statement read.
President Tinubu had earlier commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State over the boat accident, describing the incident as “shocking and unfortunate.”
The COIYN hopes that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda would bring relief to the people of Ibaji, who have been living in neglect for decades.
The construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the road would be a testament to the President’s commitment to responsive leadership and compassion.
