Kogi EXCO Lauds Tinubu Reconstruction Of Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Road

Kogi State Executive Council has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his administration’s developmental strides, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway.

The commendation is contained in the resolutions of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Lokoja.

The council described the strategic highway project as a major infrastructure intervention capable of improving connectivity between the North Central and South-South regions, while boosting trade, investment and the movement of people and goods.

Governor Ododo, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the quality and pace of work on the highway, said its completion would open new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.

The council also approved a number of projects and policy initiatives covering agriculture, roads, education, healthcare, housing, public communication and institutional development.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, said the council approved and ratified the procurement of fertilisers, agricultural chemicals and other farm inputs for farmers across the state.

He said the intervention was designed to sustain food production during both wet and dry seasons, stressing that agriculture remained a major priority of the Ododo administration.

Ojoma disclosed that Kogi had also recorded progress towards the take-off of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), supported by the African Development Bank.

According to him, the necessary studies, qualification processes and approvals had been completed, while land preparation and site allocation were progressing.

He said the SAPZ would strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investments, create markets for farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.

The commissioner added that road projects in Ibaji, Bassa and Kabba-Bunu local government areas also received attention, noting that improved rural access would facilitate the movement of farm produce to processing centres and markets.

He further disclosed that the state was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to boost food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 local government areas.

In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, as well as the installation of solar power systems at its radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.

It also approved the introduction of quarterly media briefings by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programmes, projects and achievements.

The Council further approved the repositioning of the state’s lottery, signage and food administration sectors through new legislative measures.

Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, said the Council approved Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene, including furniture for the students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters.

Abanika said the project would accommodate students progressing into clinical training and further strengthen the state’s investment in education and healthcare infrastructure.

He also disclosed that work had commenced on the Kogi International Airport, with site clearing, mobilisation of equipment and perimeter fencing already underway.

According to him, the necessary certificates had been obtained, while construction had commenced in earnest.

The commissioner said the airport would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create additional opportunities for investment and economic growth.

Abanika further disclosed that the Council approved the implementation of the End Care Programme, which is expected to provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.

He said implementation of the programme would commence immediately.

The Executive Council reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to projects and policies aimed at improving living conditions, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing food security and expanding economic opportunities for the people of Kogi State.