Leaders of thought under the auspices of Apapo Omo Yagba has appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state to consider siting the proposed Okun University in Yagba Federal Constituency.
In a letter addressed to Governor Bello, the group said Yagba is the only federal constituency in Okun land without any higher institution.
The letter, signed by Funmi Abiodun and Sola Enikanolaiye, promised that if Yagba is chosen as the host of the proposed university, the community will “fully cooperate to ensure the seamless take-off of the institution”.
“As a governor that believes in even distribution of developmental institutions and amenities, we, the entire people of Yagbaland, want to plead with you to consider the citing of this university on our land because, as a federal constituency, we are the only one in Okun land without any higher institution, either state or federal.
“Without prejudice to our brothers and sisters in Kabba Bunu/ljumu federal constituency, it is only fair and just to consider Yagba federal constituency for this new institution of higher learning, particularly taking into consideration the following pertinent observations and factors.
“The Kabba Bunu/ljumu federal constituency is already playing host to a College of Agriculture of ABU Zaria. Kogi State College of Education (Technical) is in Kabba Bunu/ljumu federal constituency. The Nigerian Law School campus, as proposed by the senate, is to be sited in Kabba- Bunu/ljumu federal constituency.
“Kabba Bunu/ljumu federal constituency shares very close proximity to the Federal University in Lokoja, the state-owned Confluence University of Technology (CUSTECH), Osara and the Federal College of Education Okene.
“All of these institutions are relatively far from Yagbaland, which makes it imperative that the proposed university be sited on our soil as this will bring development closer to our people at the grassroots.
“We will like to assure you, sir, Your Excellency, that the Yagba people shall fully cooperate to ensure the seamless take-off of the university as we have the land, the take-off structure, and the enabling environment, both natural, human and security, to host the University.
Governor Bello approved the establishment of a university in the district last month.
The state government awaits recommendation of a 17-man committee to decide on location of the university.
