Kogi East leaders applaud Tinubu, Ododo over infrastructure projects

Political and community leaders in Nigeria's Kogi East Senatorial District have lauded President Bola Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo for advancing socio-economic and infrastructural development. The commendation follows an inspection of key projects by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Communications Team.

Alhaji Ademu Muhammed Yahaya, Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, specifically praised the administrations for their interventions. In Ankpa, the team reviewed a 12-kilometer internal road project, complemented by a 24-kilometer double-sided drainage network. This initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.

Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, described the road network as a significant legacy project. He explained that the ACReSAL program involves land reclamation and environmental stabilization to combat erosion and enhance agricultural activities. Oluwasegun stressed the critical role of Governor Ododo's consistent prioritization of counterpart funds, which is essential for securing World Bank disbursements.

"The World Bank will only release its funds when the state government provides its counterpart funds for compensation and other ancillary needs," Oluwasegun stated. "Governor Ododo is one of the governors that do not default in the provision of counterpart funds." He added that the project has improved local livelihoods through erosion control and a micro-loan component that has disbursed over $2 million to cooperative groups, thereby reducing poverty and boosting economic activity.

The Ankpa council chairman noted that the erosion control and road project represents the largest government intervention ever undertaken in the local government area, which has a long history dating back to its time in Benue-Plateau and Kwara states.

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I want to first commend Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for always according counterpart funds for ACReSAL projects across the state utmost priority. The World Bank will only release its funds when the state government provides its counterpart funds for compensation and other ancillary needs. Governor Ododo is one of the governors that do not default in the provision of counterpart funds.