Kogi State Government has called for understanding from the people of the State over the execution of its resettlement programme for victims of the recent flood disaster in the State. The State Government also urged the people to be patient over the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, in the State, which is being rigorously planned.
The State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi, disclosed this in Lokoja.
The Governor said the two programmes, which are very important to the well being of the ordinary citizens, are on course, and are being thoroughly planned to ensure that their intended objectives are realised.
On the flood resettlement programme, Governor Wada said the committees of stakeholders set up in the nine affected Local Government Areas are currently on the field to perfect their data to ensure that all victims get what is due to them.
He said that Government would ensure that the assistance to be given does not go into wrong hands, saying that all relevant stakeholders, including top government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups, are being carried along in the execution of the resettlement programme.
Concerning the SURE-P, the Governor said that the lists of projects identified in the various LGAs were being perfected to ensure that they meet the guidelines and criteria under the SURE-Programme.
He disclosed that government was using the global best practice of bottom-up approach to development by involving the target beneficiaries in the identification and execution of projects.
Governor Idris Wada urged the public to ignore any rumour that the programmes were being compromised, adding that the welfare of the citizens are paramount in all government decisions.
He assured the people that Government would commence the execution of both the resettlement and the Subsidy Reinvestment Programmes within two weeks from now.
The Governor advised all those who have concerns over the programmes to liaise with the stakeholders in their areas, and to avoid taking any action that may hinder the progress being made on the programmes.
