The Kogi State Government has once again inspected key infrastructural projects, including the 10-kilometre township road from Bagana to Abejukolo in Omala Local Government and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) erosion control projects in Ankpa, as part of its efforts to combat the effects of climate change.
Speaking during the media tour in Omala, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Muhammed Yusuf, disclosed that major progress had been recorded on the township road.
“All the earthwork has been completed and five kilometres of asphalt laid on one side of the dual carriageway,” Yusuf explained. “The remaining five kilometres will be completed once the rainy season is over. By October, work will resume in earnest to deliver the project.”
The Commissioner commended Governor Usman Ododo for prioritising rural development, stressing that the project would ease the movement of motorists and improve the transportation of farm produce to markets.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the project forms part of the 10-kilometre internal road networks approved by Governor Ododo for each of the 21 local government areas of the state.
“Just yesterday, we were at Mopa-Muro and Kabba-Bunu to inspect ongoing projects,” Fanwo stated. “Today, we are in Abejukolo to showcase what the state government is doing for its people. Governance is not about favoritism; it is about fairness, equity, and delivering the dividends of democracy. Governor Ododo is ensuring that projects are equitably spread across the three senatorial districts.”
Fanwo assured that the administration would sustain its “giant strides” by investing in projects that directly improve the living standards of the people, especially at the grassroots.
At Ankpa, the inspection team visited ACReSAL erosion control sites, where residents expressed gratitude to the government. Vice Chairman of Ankpa LGA, Halimat Imam, and the Supervisor for Works, Ibrahim Yahaya, noted that erosion had previously destroyed homes and farmlands in the area.
“We must commend Governor Ododo for tackling erosion in Ankpa. Before now, many residents lost properties to environmental challenges, but today, those problems are fast becoming history,” they said.
During the tour, the team also visited the College of Education, Ankpa, where the Provost, Dr. Femi Fashagba, highlighted improvements in basic amenities.
“When I assumed office, water and electricity were major challenges. Students fetched water from distant streams. Today, with the support of Governor Ododo, these problems have been addressed. Water supply, electricity, and campus security have all improved,” Dr. Fashagba said.
Fanwo, in response, praised the Provost for his leadership and revealed that the government had also established a skill acquisition centre for students.
“This administration is not only providing infrastructure but also equipping young people with skills to thrive in society. Governor Ododo is uniting Kogi through projects that touch lives,” he said.
The inspection train later moved to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ankpa, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, commended the state government’s support.
“Since 1999, this university has grown tremendously. We currently run 63 degree programmes and postgraduate courses. With Governor Ododo’s intervention, our MBBS programme was reactivated after 12 years. All required infrastructure was provided, and both the National Universities Commission and the Medical and Dental Council gave approval,” she explained.
Prof. Tenuche added that all the university’s programmes had been accredited since Governor Ododo assumed office, describing his support as “unwavering and transformational.”
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Fanwo assured that the state government would continue to back the university and other institutions to ensure Governor Ododo’s vision for a progressive and united Kogi State is achieved.
