From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ibaji Development Association, Lokoja Branch, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s development strides in Kogi state since assumption of office two years ago.
The association in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, declared that Ibaji Local Government Area is proud to associate with the Governor’s developmental strides across all sectors in the state, which has earned him numerous awards.
“We are appealing for more government presence in Ibaji Local Government to boost its socio-economic activities and better condition of living for the people of the area
“We note in particular that your infrastructural development that cuts across various local government areas has become a game changer in the development of Kogi State
“We are aware of your efforts in uplifting the infrastructural landscape in Ibaji local government area.
“In the area of health infrastructure, you are already addressing the construction and renovation of some key health centres across the various wards in the council.
“Equally, we are aware of your government efforts at providing solar energy to power several communities in Ibaji local government area as well as renovation of both primary and secondary school buildings.
“The Association therefore commends your government for this lofty achievements
“However, Ibaji Development Association, Lokoja Branch, keenly observed that these road infrastructure and other infrastructural amenities are almost near absent in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state
“As of today, the local government lacks good functional roads, health centres, good buildings for primary and secondary schools, as well as electricity to mention, but a few.
“We are aware of the government lean financial base yet with the bold move and prudent management of resources exhibited by this government and its hunger for the development of Kogi State, especially in the rural areas, Ibaji Development Association is very optimistic of government readiness to provide road infrastructure and other infrastructural amenities for Ibaji Local Government Area.
Roads Infrastructure in Ibaji
“The road infrastructure in Ibaji Local Government Area, to say the least, is very pathetic.
“Ibaji people are predominantly farmers and have been major players in the food security trajectory of the state
“Your Excellency sir, the Association may wish to recall that after the Twenty Twelve (2012) flood which completely destroyed the only motorable road that connects Idah to Ibaji Local Government Headquarter; the people have continually faced difficulties in both human and vehicular movement in and out of Ibaji Local Government Area
“This has resulted in increased maternal mortality, poor socio-economic growth, and general well-being of the people, amongst other limitations.
“No doubt Your Excellency, sir, roads infrastructure in the life of any people certainly has a multiplier effect. In fact, it’s a sinquanon for general development.
“However, we commend your government for undertaking an assessment of Idah – Onyedega road and other ancillary roads within the local government area.
“This particular effort has shown your determination to provide Ibaji people with the road infrastructure.
“Our worry over this is that since after assessment, some time in September ,twenty twenty five (2025), work on the said road is yet to commence
“It would be recalled that since the APC government in the state, the Ibaji Local Government has remained a major stakeholder.
“We note in particular that the current government headed by His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo came to power by the overwhelming vote of Ibaji people, and we will continue to give the APC government in the state maximum support to enable it succeed.
“Finally, Ibaji Development Association, Lokoja Branch, is mindful of your benevolence, especially in the appointment of Ibaji sons and daughters into your cabinet.
“We consider this as a treasured favour done to our people, promising that they will not let you down.
“In the light of the above, therefore, Ibaji Development Association, Lokoja Branch strongly appeals to His Excellency’s magnanimity to urgently come to the aid of the people of Ibaji Local Government Area, towards rehabilitating, upgrading and reconstruction of some major feeder roads for easy mobility of the people across the Local Government Area.
“As we await your kind response, our prayers are that the Almighty Allah continues to guide you and provide the wisdom and the required energy to pilot the affairs of Kogi State to the next level.
