The Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council and Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi expressed concern over the level of under-development in Okun land.
Speaking with newsmen on 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence in Kabba on Wednesday, the monarch bemoaned the dearth of federal presence in the area.
He asserted that Okun land needs more Federal attention as major critical infrastructures in the area are in very bad shape.
“Okun need more attention, especially Federal presence. We need a Federal University and that is why we have been clamouring for the upgrade of College of Agriculture Kabba to Federal University of Agriculture.
“Also, good roads are needed to open Okun land to economic development. Currently, most of the Federal roads in Kogi State are in poor state,” he said.
The monarch pointed out that the Confluence rice mill at Ejiba in Yagba West local government area of the state is yet to be fully utilized due to the nature of the road.
Oba Owoniyi called on public spirited Okun sons and daughters, both at home and in diaspora to develop their communities as government alone cannot do it.
According to him, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in the last 60 years as an independent state.
“Looking at Nigeria as an entity in the last 60 years, I think we have not done too badly. At independence in 1960, there were 3 regions in Nigeria, but today we have 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which means that government is closer to the people.”
He, however, called on government at all levels to give more attention to the welfare and upgrade of traditional institutions.
