— wants government to provide cheaper mass transit buses
By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
A non governmental organization, Initiative For Grassroot Advancement, (INGRA), has commended the Kogi state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the speedy completion of the Zone 8- Kabba junction road within the first tem months of his administration.
While speaking in Lokoja on Friday the Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, noted that several Governments had attempted to solve the Zone 8-kabba junction road to no avail, until the Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello administration began construction in 2023.
“However the new administration of Alhaji Usman Ododo surprised everyone with the speed and dedication it has completed the project within 10 months of the administration.
He added that this has brought a huge relief to residents of the area and rejuvenated their belief in this administration. “We wish to commend His Excellency for this feat as it has far reaching implications economically and health wise on the area.
“This is what governance should feel. In this regards we also call on the Governor to also take over and complete the Ganaja road so that Lokoja citizens will finally feel the full effects of the Ododo Magic wand in project execution in the state
We also urge the Government to as a matter of urgency follow up this remarkable achievements on roads by establishing a functional mass transit system in Lokoja the State Capital.
Speaking further he said “It is sad that citizens are left at the mercy of Keke and okada operators who decide how and at what cost transport is in the State. This is a major reason for the high cost of food and services in the State.
“It will also reduce the hardship brought about by the removal of the fuel Subsidy on the citizens. Finally we call on citizens to always actively engage their government by paying their taxes and by protecting public infrastructure.
Thank you
“The growth of Lokoja metropolis as a result of population and development has led to springing up of settlements on the outskirts of the State Capital.
“This phenomenon is not peculiar to State Capital as it is visible in other fast growing cities. Some of these settlements include the Otokiti-Shettima_zango area, crusher area and the Ganaja area.
“Many citizens of the State Capital reside in these areas but commute to work in Lokoja. The reasons for these include lower cost for housing.
“The removal of Fuel Subsidy by the President Ahmed Tinubu Government on the 29th of May 2023 exposed the weak infrastructure and poor public sector service provision especially movement of people, goods and services that is critical for development. This is particularly true in these settlements.
“The absence of a road network and a proper mass transit system, further exacerbated the situation with it’s attendant consequences such as insecurity, high cost of transport, a bad health situation due to the tremendous dust that residents are exposed to during the harmattan season. And weak standard of living, thereby putting pressure on resources with the State Capital.