Kogi Dep. Gov. set to Commission more Projects this month »

…Focuses on Water Infrastructure

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja is set to commission more projects across local communities and villages in Igala land later this month.

According to the statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Promise Emmanuel, he said, some of the infrastructure already put into use are boreholes located in communities such as: Ochaja Ogoh, Emonyoku Ochaja, Ofode Ogugu, Ogene Ogugu, Ogodu, Ogene Oforachi, Open Market Emagaba, Adupi Emoriko, Odagba in Ankpa, Emakwuracha, Sabongari Ogugu, Ugbamaka Igah, Ofakaga in Ofu, Adumu Igah, Amaka in Igalamela Odu, Ajaka, Ankpa and Ega Orinono.

Emmanuel said also commissioned and put into use is the Adupi Emoriko Town Hall with others nearing completion to be commissioned later this month.

“On religious intervention, the number two citizen of the state has also facilitated pilgrimages that covered the three Senatorial districts. As at last count, about 30 persons were sponsored to Mecca for the Hajj Pilgrimage of the Muslim faithful by the Deputy Governor from the three Senatorial districts of the state. Also, 32 Christians were sponsored to the Holy Land in Jerusalem from the three Senatorial districts.

“On religious infrastructure intervention, the Deputy Governor also galvanized the strength of his network to see to the completion of the Okpo Central Mosque in Olamaboro Local Government Area. The United Evangelical Church Odo Eto also recieved the same gesture. Besides this, other UEC churches across the Area Conferences also benefited from his intervention. This month, UEC Lokoja Area Conference is to receive a brand new 18 Seater Hiace Bus.

“About nine (9) buses were also donated to UEC, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kogi Youth Wing and the same support was extended to different Muslim Youth Groups such as Albayan Educational Institution in Ankpa, Cuncil of Ulammah in Ankpa and National Council of Muslim Youths Organization. Other supports ranging from cash to renovations also cut across Kogi state.

“At Anyigba, Chief Onoja galvanized friends, associates, political colleagues, legislators and well meaning Kogites, in addition, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello who contributed immensely to the rebuilding, remodeling and expansion of the 1000 capacity Igala Unity House, with topping of 11 Room Guests Lodge. In the same mien, the Ogugu Town Hall building foundation has been laid. He has also completed all necessary plans to drive support of funding for the construction of two ultra modern Guest Houses for the Attah of Igala, HRM, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, at Ankpa and Anyigba respectively.

“The aged and vulnerable are not also left out, within the time under review, 5 Houses were built for senior citizens who had no roofs over their heads.

“Hundreds of health interventions, which includes direct funding and Government assisted, were also recorded for many Kogi indigenes.

“On education, in 2019 alone, Edward Onoja paid Law School Fees for Kogi state students across the 21 local Government areas of the state.

“University tuition fees were also paid in their hundreds along with JAMB, NECO and WAEC fees for many college students who could not afford payment.

“In his magnanimity and visionary nature, he has also given Capital-seed support to many Kogi indigenes to set up small scale businesses. This crisscross artisans, market women and other brown collar hustlers. He has also facilitated hundreds of jobs for Kogites at the Federal, state and private organizations leveraging on the influence of his office.

“Still, not tired, on the Let’s Do More focus of the New Direction Government for the next 4 years, the Deputy Governor is set to begin another era of Commissioning of the following projects later this month to herald another term which has reached advanced stage. Boreholes: Adeh Open Market, Ofa/Etutekpe, Inele, Anyigba Ogugu, Emakpe Iyagwu and Imane.

“Also, the following town halls: Imane Hall, Odidoko Hall, Emedugwu Youth Hall, and Emoyonku Ochaja Hall. According to Onoja one of the Halls will he named after His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello as mark of Honor and Appreciation for his love for his Deputy and Confidant over the years which he unequivocally re-emphasized on the 27th of January 2020, during the inauguration and swearing-in into office for another term which was televised live on national television, thus: ” I thank my team in the New Direction Administration, most especially His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, my siamese twin and the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, for the hard work and loyal followership which enabled me to pilot this ship with a MINIMUM of DISTRACTIONS. Edward Onoja is a Godly politician, an astute visionary and a talented strategist who has proved his worth to me, to Kogi state and to our party again and again, first as my Chief of Staff and now as my Deputy”. (Gov Bello, January 27th, 2020).

“According to the Deputy Governor, the next 4 years of the New Direction administration would be serious work to consolidate on the existing efforts so far as a sign of appreciation to Kogi indigenes for renewing the GYB/CEDO mandate.

“Quizzed on his resolve to focus on rural water infrastructure, he disclosed how his passion stemming from his background as a Geologist availed him with the knowledge of water which sits under the earth crust. He says seeing vulnerable ruralites trek kilometers to access stream waters which might not be clean for consumption aches his heart passionately. As such, attacking the key vulnerable areas in Kogi east as a whole also dwells on lack of power and access to water infrastructure, which according to him propelled the New Direction Government in digging over 300 boreholes in Kogi State, most in rural Kogi East. He says water is life, thus, when people have access to clean water it also reduces fatal health issues accruing from consumption of unclean water which causes preventable waterborne diseases.

Promise Emmanuel is the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State.