Do you know that Lokoja, Lagos, Calabar and Abuja have something in common? Yes. There were one time or the other the capital of Nigeria. But at the moment, none of these cities can you compare with Lokoja in terms of growth.
Why is this so? The precipitation is not far-fetched: lack of vision of will to give Lokoja the attention that it deserves can be identified as one.
At the moment, if you look at other state capitals such as Lafia, Gombe and other statea with leaner resources when compared to Kogi, you will agree with me that there is an urgent need for a wholistic overhaul of the state’s development master plan, especially Lokoja the capital.
Everyone keeps saying that Lokoja has the potential to attract investors, foreign and local in view of the rich natural resources that abound in it; not to mention historical sites that litter everywhere. To add to the whole calculation, states are fighting tooth and nail to boost their Internally Generated Revenue to cushion the effect of the dwindling Federal allocation from to the federation.
Beautifying Kogi State capital to make it model in the country is not negotiable despite what the wailers in Kogi State keep saying. It is even pitiful that they appeal to ethnic emotions by asserting that the remodelling efforts of the Present administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello is eroding the legacies of governors before him, especially our late leader, Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memory; the man who brought a tasteful infrastrural artistry to Lokoja.
The problem with this crop of person is that they do not understand that the present administration came with its modern template to revitalise the state in all ramifications. Like the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government would always say: “There is a desperate remodelling of Lokoja that is needed and nobody has capacity to doing it than Governor Yahaya Bello, a youth with eyes for modernism, technology and innovation that will move the entire society of Lokoja and Kogi State forward.”
What is needed is for everyone to support the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, rather than condemnation and wicked rumors in the name of opposition. We have been known for roundabouts in Lokoja, but have we ever thought of alternative beautification template for our beloved Lokoja? With his foresight and insights, the governor has seen the need that alternative should exist and that where there is need for roundabouts, they should not be made to be unnecessarily big, occupying scarce space as the Obasanjo Square Roundabout used to be.
If Kogi must change, and if Lokoja must catch up with its supposed peers, we must keep believing in the government of Yahaya Bello in his effort to give us a brand new state at the end of his tenure.
– Yabagi Mohammed
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity,
Lokoja Local Government Area.
