The Lokoja Local Government Caretaker Transition Committee Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu has assured the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi of Kogi state government’s commitment to securing the lives and properties within and around the institution.
Abdullahi gave the assurance when he paid a working visit to the university.
The Caretaker Chairman who led the delegation of the management staff of the local government and members of the Transition Committee to FUL permanent site commended Professor Akinwumi for his roles in ensuring that Lokoja indigenes get their place in the institution.
“Two weeks ago, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo commissioned the Metropolitan Quick Response security vehicles to improve our turn around time for emergency response. I have directed that one of those vehicles is permanently left to patrol between Crusher to Felele and we are making arrangements to bring an additional one to make it two.
“After the unfortunate incidents where criminals target students lodges in Felele and Sarkin Noma, in addition to the Joint Security Operations commissioned by the local government, we have asked lodge owners to hire security men for their lodges to provide adequate security for their tenants. This we will enforce to ensure the safety of our students,” he said.
Comrade Abdullahi appealed to the University to continue to partner with the local government, particularly in the areas of employment opportunities.
Prof. Akinwumi, in his response, congratulated the Caretaker Chairman on his appointment and assured of the institution’s commitment to the level 1-6 quota to the immediate community and the State.
He, however, expressed his pain with the lack of physical contribution by eminent Lokoja indigenes to the institution.
“Many of the structures you see here were donated by individuals from outside Kogi State and I have visited several Lokoja indigenes to come and do the same. I would urge you to help us in that direction.”
The VC highlighted some of their challenges which includes vandalization of equipment and the inability of the University to get her certificate of occupancy which is causing serious encroachment on their lands.
The Caretaker Chairman promised to join hands with the Vice Chancellor to appeal to eminent indigenes to compliment the government and bring more infrastructural development to the University. He also assured the University management that he would follow up with the relevant agency with regards to the certificate of occupancy.
