By Kassim Kola Adeyemi
* Umahi says FG Will Re-design Lokoja – Ganaja – Ajaokuta Road
Lokoja – Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has expressed optimism in the Federal Government’s ability and commitment to improve on the country’s road infrastructure.
Bello spoke on Tuesday in Lokoja in reaction to the inspection tour of some deplorable federal roads in the state by the new Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
The governor expressed deep appreciation to the Minister’s for his proactive approach in inspecting the deteriorating federal roads in the state.
He said the Minister’s visit demonstrated a significant dedication to resolving pressing infrastructure issues.
Bello also praised Umahi, for his visit to Kogi State on August 22, 2023, a day after his inauguration as Minister of works by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor highlighted the concern surrounding the condition of federal roads in Kogi State, emphasising the strategic position of the state as the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
He also highlighted hardships being faced by commuters, the negative impact on trade and the economy, and the strain on transportation systems.
Bello then expressed gratitude to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Works for recognising the challenges and the pledge to promptly intervene to alleviate the situation.
“The condition of our federal roads has been a source of great concern to our administration, the people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, owing to the fact that Kogi is geographically the connecting point between the Northern and Southern Nigeria.
“The suffering endured by commuters, the negative impact on trade and economic activities, and the strain on our transportation system have not gone unnoticed.
“It is with this in mind that we extend our sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister for not only acknowledging this plight but also for promising urgent interventions to alleviate the situation, ” the governor said.
Bello stressed the need for collaborative efforts between federal and state governments in addressing infrastructure issues as a hallmark of effective governance.
He also expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for the nation’s economy and citizens’ well-being.
The governor said he hoped that the urgent interventions promised by the Minister would mark a turning point for citizens who regularly travel these roads.
The Minister , Senator Dave Umahi had earlier commended Governor Bello’s commitment to the people of Kogi State and his administration’s accomplishments across education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Umahi expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception upon his appointment as Minister of Works and for his dedication to the betterment of Kogi State.
He acknowledged the poor state of federal roads in Kogi, pledging government’s comprehensive turnaround efforts to remedy the situation.
He revealed plans to introduce long-lasting, low cost maintenance concrete roads and assured of swift efforts to repair all federal roads in Kogi State.
The Minister also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to redesign theLokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta road and appreciated the governor’s road maintenance efforts.
Roads inspected by the Minister included bridge reconstruction at Gada-biu, the Abaji section of Abuja-Lokoja road, Koto-Karfe bridge, Murtala bridge, Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta road, Lokoja-Okene road, and Lokoja-Kabba road.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
