By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The chairman of the Kogi state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhaji Sheidu Ademu Haruna, has assured the Kogi State Government of the continued support of working Journalists in the state, through adequate reportage of its activities, towards ensuring welfare of the people.
The chairman who gave this assurance while hosting Journalists to a Sallah get together at the press center, commended the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of workers and Journalists in the state.
Alhaji Sheidu noted that the governor has started on a very good note, through adequate welfare for citizens and for making the security of lives and property of the people his topmost priority.
He noted that in the course of performing it’s constitutional role of holding Government accountable to the people, the union will also continue to support the government to enable it deliver the good dividends of democracy to the people.
The chairman commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismaila Isah, the Commissioner of Information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo and that of water resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, for making the get together a huge success.
“Let me use this medium to commend the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismail Isah for kick-starting this get together and the Commissioner for Information and communications and that of Water Resources for keying into this vision.
“We are grateful and I want to assure you all that we will not take this gesture for granted. We will continue to collaborate with you to ensure that you succeed in the tasks given to you by your principal.
He enjoined Journalists to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession, which he Said stands them out from other professions in the country.
Speaking during the occasion, the Commissioner of water resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, who personally attended the get together, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved cash backing for the rehabilitation of the old Lokoja water works.
Engr. Farouk explained that
the plant is intended to supply water to some areas of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, pending the completion of repairs at the Greater Lokoja Water Works which was damaged by floods in 2012.
According to the Commissioner, the State government is taking pragmatic steps to replace equipment submerged at the Greater Lokoja Water Works, though this will take at least 12 months to complete.
While emphasizing the administration’s commitment to addressing the water scarcity in the state, he appealed to residents for patience, assuring them that efforts are being made to resolve the issue.
“Before Friday, contractors will resume work for the rehabilitations of the old Lokoja water works. It has been approved and cashed back by the Governor of Kogi State. Within the shortest possible time, water supply will return to Lokoja metropolis” he stated.
Engr. Farouk debunk reports making the rounds that the reservoir for old Lokoja water works has been sold out.