Olu Samuel, Lokoja

In a bid to combat ecological problems in Kogi State, the Governor of the Confluence State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo has signed contracts with two construction firms in the total sum of N29, 929,447,352.15 billion for the commencement of civil works at Etahi, Omigbo and Ankpa Erosion Sites across the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State.

A breakdown of the Contract shows that the Contract sum for Etahi Gully Site in Okene LGA stands at N10,664,612,410.46 while that of Omigbo in Kabba Bunu LGA is N9, 866,807,044.00 and the Contract sum for Olubo-Ojo Gully Site in Ankpa LGA stands at N9, 397,037,897.69 only.

This was contained in a statement issued late Monday night by the state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo.

The contract was said to have been signed earlier on Monday.

While signing the contracts for the commencement of civil works, the Governor charged the contractors to execute the jobs with utmost sense of responsibility and with the seriousness it deserves, as this is aimed at addressing the menace of gully erosion and its attendant effects in the affected communities.

Gov. Ododo, who was represented by Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the Project is executed to specification for the benefit of the communities of intervention; urging the people in the areas covered by the contract to own the Projects and safeguard it.

According to the Governor, “It is on record that the communities of these various erosion sites have suffered greatly from the devastating effects of gully erosion, which has led to monumental loss of lives and property .

Therefore, it is hoped that the program today, and the subsequent commencement of the civil works at these erosion sites will eventually bring great relief to the people”, the Governor said.

He also stated that the Project is funded by the Kogi State Government in partnership with the World Bank ACReSAL Project.

Governor Ododo further urged the contractors to deploy all relevant resources for the execution of the assignment to ensure quality job delivery that will meet global standards.

The Governor praised the tireless efforts of the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, and her team for a job well done, culminating into the success of the Project signing for the commencement of work.

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto expressed delight on behalf of the State Government for the signing of the contract for the gully reclamation, stabilization and channeling of three sites located at Olubo-Ojo Site in Ankpa LGA, Etahi Site in Okene, and the Omigbo Channelization Site in Kabba LGA.

She described the signing as signposting the even developmental spread of the Administration of Gov. Usman Ododo in the State. She further explained that the signing of the contract for the erosion control of the three critical sites will address the hardship brought upon the communities, restore destroyed farmlands, government infrastructure, bring about access to markets, hospitals, and schools.