| SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY |
|
Prof.
Aaron
Baba,
Special
Advicer
on Technological
Development |
Site Powered by Directorate
of Science &
Technology,
Kogi State |
Updated
December 1, 2008
VOL.
13 No. 747 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 - TUESDAY SEPTEMBER
22, 2008 ISSN 1116 - 7085 N70.00 |
|
|
|
Changing Face of Lokoja
Nobody who has ever visited Lokoja,
the Kogi State capital some years
ago and repeat the visit now would
fail to be overwhelmed by its
present splendor, aesthetic beauty
and unparalleled appeal to the
hedonistic passion of its patrons.
It is most unimaginable that the
mind of people could conceive the
degree of transformation witnessed
by the capital city. The changes are
in terms of road network,
environment and provision of social
amenities. In this special report,
the two senior Editorial staff with
The Graphic Newspaper, Ebute Daniel
John and Segun Omolehin sought the
views of some stakeholders on the
changing face of Lokoja. Happy
reading.
Commenting on the changing face of
Lokoja, Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed
Babadoko, the Executive Secretary,
Muslim pilgrims welfare Board (MPWB)
and aspirant, Kogi State House of
Assembly to represent Lokoja I
constituency, said Governor Idris
has endeared himself to the
residents of Lokoja, the state
capital through road construction.
He noted with satisfaction that the
capital city now wears a new look as
the streets are clean with beautiful
flower and inter-locking access
roads crossing the length and
breathe of the town, making
transportation and movement easy.
The aspirant noted that many
military and civilian
administrations have come and gone
but the administration of Governor
Idris has made a lot of differences.
He singled it out as the only
administration that has made the
most impact on the capital city.
Also reacting to the speedy
transformation of Lokoja town, the
Oba Yoruba in Lokoja, Alhaji Audu
Bello Oke recapped the history of
Lokoja as cosmopolitan in nature and
its role as a commercial nerve
centre during the pre-colonial and
colonial era in Nigeria. He however
regretted that despite its vantage
position, it remained a glorified
village, yearning for
infrastructural development until
the present administration of
Governor Idris has re-written its
history. According to him, the
developmental effort of the present
administration has catapulted Lokoja
being a village to a megacity that
can compete favourably with other
frontline cities in Nigeria today.
He specifically commended the
governor for the construction of
international market, the on-going
Lokoja Greater Water project, the
Specialist Hospital, Lokoja and
Renovation and equipping of
hospitals across the state. The Oba
observed that the network of road
across the length and breathe of the
capital city would no doubt easy the
movement of the residents and the
passersby who would no longer
experience the usual traffic holds
up again.
There is no doubt that the state
government has embarked on massive
road construction from Ganaja
junction to 500 Units Housing state
in Ganaja Village. The by pass from
Dunamis church, Lokoja through the
Specialist Hospital to the Apostolic
Faith Church has no doubt help to
decongest the usual traffic jam at
the Ganaja junction. The road
network, the construction of
Olympic-size stadium, the Greater
Lokoja Water Scheme, construction of
office complex and beautification of
Lokoja town with flower have no
doubt enhanced the status of Lokoja
metropolis.
Certainly, from the foregoings, one
can see that the length and breathe
of the capital city has witnessed
unprecedented infrastructural
transformation. In addition,
Ministries and parastatals are
receiving enormous facelift. Apart
from the Ministry of Education which
was literally transformed last year,
other ministries like Ministry
of Works and Housing and that of
Health are witnessing a great
structural turn-around, as old
structures are giving way to new
ones. The effort of the state
government is to tackle the problem
of office accommodation and also
provide a conducive environment for
work.
The governor has been commended as
the most accomplished in terms of
provision of basic infrastructure in
the state capital.
The gigantic water project is hoped
to end the problem of potable water
supply in the state capital and
environs. Places like Ganaja,
Barracks Felele and even Banda are
expected to be connected to the
water when it is completed.
There is no doubt about it, Governor
Idris has etched his name in rural
transformation. He has affected
lives in Lokoja metropolis,
tremendously.
Feeder Road
construction along Gandy Hotel,
Lokoja.
|
| |
|
|
