Worried by the lingering water scarcity in Lokoja metropolis and it environs, a renowned Oman-based philanthropist, Amb. Gabriel Abinu has commissioned boreholes in Lokongoma and New Layout areas of the Kogi state capital.
Amb. Abinu, who is prominently known for his selfless service to humanity, commissioned the water project on Saturday which was graced by creme de la creme within and outside Kogi State.
Speaking at the auspicious occasion, Amb. Abinu who has written his name in gold in the world of tennis both national and the international levels, promised to attract meaningful development to every nooks and crannies of his host community.
“I am extremely glad and grateful to almighty Allah to make another historical milestone in making life meaningful to our people. The provision of water to some strategic location in Lokoja was a dream geared towards supporting the state government in its articulation to provide portable drinking water to the people.
“This dream underscore our aim to provide portable drinking water in Lokongoma and New Layout. Water as we all known is a basic requirement of life. Agreed we have the confluence where the two rivers meet, (Niger and Benue) but water is not available to the people in some location, and Government need the support of individuals to assist.
“It is worthy to appreciate the Kogi State Government for all the effort to put in place aggressive water schemed to solve water problem once and for all. The bore holes which is about 145 meter by debts is expected to provide all year round water to the people.
“I want to appeal to the state Government to rehabilitate the old Lokoja water reservoir built by the Europeans to further provide more water to the people. I also want to appeal to our people living around this bore hole area to ensure good maintenance of the borehole. We should not allow it to be dumped to deny us the water we needed.
“As part of my desire to improve sporting activities in Kogi State, my business outfit donated a befitting dressing room and recently renovated the Tennis Court at Lokoja club 1901,” he said.
The philanthropist thanked his members at Lokoja club 1901 for always standing by him in achieving his dreams in life, adding that, their support have earned him international stardom.
Responding to this laudable project, the Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Mohammed Yahaya Farouk appreciated the donor for his good work to humanity, stressing that the provision of water is in line with the state government efforts at cushioning the effect of water scarcity on the people.
“Amb. Gabriel Abinu contributions to humanity has been felt at the grassroot. The donor has assisted me as a person and also as a government. My gratitude goes to the people of Angwan Tiv community for their peaceful disposition over the years. If all the community can be like this, I think most of our problem in government will be solved.
“Angwan Tiv community is the host to our precious reservoir. No reservoir can be built in Lokoja that can supersede this one. The people of this community drew the attention of the government of a certain mistake, immediately it was noted by his excellency, the government swung into actions and it was resolved”.
The Commissioner announced that work will soon commence at the old Lokoja water works to provide water for the people of Lokoja metropolis.
Continuing, Engr Farouk said “After three months of intensive effort and evaluation, the Governor has approved with cash backing the resuscitation of old Lokoja water works pending when Greater water work is fixed.
“The 2022 flood in Kogi State caused a major damage to greater Lokoja water works which has put water supply on hold for months. I must commend our elder statesman and former lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, for his efforts in ensuring that our household gets water again for consumption. We are forever grateful”.
In his goodwill message, Mr Sunday Akinyemi, Chairman, Angwan Tiv Community Development Association (ACDA), recalled that the community has suffered a lot due to water scarcity.
He lamented that this community has been forgotten in term of good governance for several years.
“On behalf of the good people residing in the community with utmost respect we show our profound gratitude and appreciation for the drilling of borehole in our dear community.
“Coach, we are all really surprised at your gesture. This is something beyond words and we never expected this but we appreciate your time and your energy for this wonderful day.
“Actually this community has seen a lot in terms of the water scarcity and you came in at the right time that we needed it most, may God shower his blessings upon you forever and your family.
“This community has been forgotten in terms of democracy because we only see them when election is coming for campaign ‘when we voted them in they will disappear into the tin Air. If not in the likes of the then Hon. Suleiman Babadoko and Distinguish Senator Dino Melaye who supply the transformer through the effort of the community development we could have been in total blackout by now. We will forever be grateful to you for this humanitarian services to our people,” he added.
In their various remarks, the Vice President, Lokoja Club 1901, Surveyor Timothy Samuel; Lawmaker representing Lokoja I, Hon. Shehu Ebaiya Bin; Caretaker Chairman, Lokoja Local Government, Hon Abdullahi Adamu alongside the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikaifi IV who was represented by the Waziri of Lokoja, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Idris all prayed for the donor for more blessing and strength to do more.
They all commended Amb. Abinu for his achievement in the State and Nigeria in general, adding that this initiative should be emulated by well to do individuals by contributing immensely to the grassroots.
Residents of Lokongoma and New Layout who spoke to newsmen shortly after the commissioning of the boreholes all prayed for Amb. Abinu urging him not to relent in improving the lives of his people.
It could be recalled that Amb. Gabriel Abinu bought JAMB forms for 54 candidates in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State in 2024.
