By Mariam Adams
The Kogi State Government has presented cheques to compensate Project Affected Persons in the Omigbo gully erosion project.
This event, held in Omigbo, Kabba Local Government Area, signifies a significant step in the state government’s efforts to combat erosion and flooding by addressing longstanding ecological challenges in the community.
Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, reiterated the administration’s dedication to environmental sustainability and ecological management.
He highlighted the state government is collaborating with the World Bank ACReSAL Project and the Federal Government to tackle the erosion issues in Omigbo and other communities.
The Commissioner praised Governor Ododo’s leadership and commitment to governance continuity, citing the N600 million counterpart contribution to the ACReSAL Project as evidence of his unwavering support for the cause.
He also commended the State Project Coordinator, Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto, and her team for their hard work in successfully implementing the project and addressing ecological challenges in Kogi State.
While urging the community to cooperate with the contractor for a smooth and timely project delivery, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of community involvement in achieving environmental sustainability.
Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto, the Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, expressed gratitude to the state government, the World Bank, and the Federal Government for their partnership in the project.
She outlined the project’s objectives, which include addressing poverty, low literacy rates, conflicts, natural resource degradation, and poor agricultural practices.
Traditional and state leaders, including the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, and Caretaker of Kabba Bunnu Local Government, Hon. Dare Zacchaeus, commended the state government for its efforts in addressing the ecological challenges in the state. They urged the community to support the project and cooperate with the contractor to ensure its successful completion
The beneficiaries responded with gratitude praising the Kogi State Government, ACReSAL and the Federal Government for their efforts in addressing the long-standing ecological challenges in Omigbo while expressing their appreciation for the compensation and the opportunities that the project brings to their community
They pledged to cooperate with the contractor and the project team to ensure the successful completion of the project
The event ended with the presentation of cheques to the project-affected persons.
Overall, the cheque presentation ceremony for the Omigbo gully erosion project marks a significant milestone in Kogi State’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
