By Segun Adegboyega
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has officially handed over the site for the construction of a multi-billion naira International Airport to contractors, marking the groundbreaking of a landmark project in Zariagi, on the outskirts of Lokoja, the state capital.
The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Victor Atuluku, described the initiative as a people-centered and economically transformative project that will position Kogi State as a major hub for investment, trade, and industrial growth.
Speaking at the project site in Zariagi, Hon. Atuluku conveyed the Governor’s message, emphasizing that the airport is a strategic infrastructure designed to unlock the state’s vast economic potential.
He noted that upon completion, the facility would stimulate local and international investments, create jobs across multiple sectors, and significantly boost the socio-economic profile of the state.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the speedy completion of the project, pledging to deploy both human and material resources to meet set timelines.
He stressed that the airport project goes beyond aviation, serving as a critical driver of economic diversification and long-term development.
According to the governor, the establishment of a state-owned airport will attract multinational companies, high-net-worth investors, and business interests from across the globe, while also creating opportunities for artisans and small-scale enterprises.
He added that the project would connect Kogi State to a network of progressive economic centers, thereby enhancing trade and commerce.
The project had ealier been awarded to leading construction firms, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Construction Company, with a mandate to deliver the airport in line with global standards.
Governor Ododo charged the contractors to work diligently and around the clock to ensure timely delivery, emphasizing the importance of quality, professionalism, and adherence to specifications.
He also called on the host community and residents of the state to provide maximum cooperation and support for the smooth and rancour-free execution of the project.
Reassuring investors of adequate security, the Governor stated that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property, noting that a secure environment is a critical requirement for sustainable growth and development.
The official handover of the airport project site to the contractors signals a major milestone in Kogi State’s infrastructure drive, reinforcing the government’s resolve to implement transformative projects that will drive economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for the people.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
