By Balogun Omeiza David,
Head, Public Relations Unit, CUSTECH, Osara
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has warned contractors handling various building projects not to compromise the set standard spelt out to them by the State.
Alh. Ododo gave this stern warning while he embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the various projects going on at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. This was his first official visit to the citadel of higher learning since he assumed office as the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
Alh. Ododo while moving round the Faculties of Engineering, Basic Medical Sciences and the Senate Building expressed his unhappiness on the snail speed at which some of the contractors were handling the projects given to them. The Senate Building of CUSTECH was mainly in the spotlight as the contractor was really frowned at by the Governor.
His Excellency, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo urged the three affected contractors not to thwart the efforts of the government in providing sound and conducive environment for education to thrive which he said is also one major areas that the dividends of democracy can be delivered to the good citizens of Kogi State who voted him to perfectly steer the affairs of Kogi State.
The chief umpire of Kogi State, Alh. Ododo however gave a marching order to the contractor handling the Senate Building to ensure that quality and standard job is done and delivered according to the stipulated time without any further delay. He however commended the contractor handling the University Library for the quality job he is doing that is visible for the eyes to see and appreciate.
In the words of His Excellency, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo, “I am impressed with what I am seeing being done in this building that is to serve as the University Library. The contractor knows his onions and also understands exactly the high standard our administration expects from all the contractors handling one project or the other. I am so excited that he is meeting up to our expectations.”
The contractor so praised by His Excellency, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo thanked the Governor for trusting him with the job and promised not to renege on the agreed date of delivering the University Library project.
The Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu who was in high spirits throughout the on-the-spot assessment visit, thanked the Governor for coming over to see the current situation of work done at CUSTECH, Osara.
The erudite academician praised the Governor as one that is ready to leave his comfort zone to check all the traps of development he has put in place. He further explained to His Excellency, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo that as a way of showing his own personal commitment to the progress of the various ongoing projects, he visited the site twice in a day to ensure the contractors are committed to the work placed in their hands.
Among the entourage that came with the Governor were: Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alh. Ali Bello, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike, Commissioner for Urban and Housing Development, Engr. Taiye Abanika, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Honourable Bashir Abubakar Gegu and the State Auditor General, Alh. Yakubu Okala.
The Management Team of CUSTECH, Osara comprising of the University Registar, Ms. Olufunke Hudson, the Bursar, Mr. John Alaji, University Librarian, Mr. Jeremiah Salifu, Director Physical Planning and Development, Bldr. Ismail Adoke, Director of Academic Planning, Pharm. Muhammad Asuku Audu were all present to receive the University Visitor.