The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, led a delegation of state officials to the campus of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) to inspect the proposed alternative route that will provide safer access to the university.

This route, which is set to pass through Agbaja, is being constructed by the Kogi State government to alleviate the dangers posed by the heavily trafficked Felele highway, where numerous fatal accidents have claimed the lives of students over the years.

The decision to build the new road follows a resolution passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly during its Tuesday plenary. The motion, presented by Hon Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijjani, the representative for Lokoja I State Constituency, highlighted the urgent need to address the alarming rate of accidents on the Felele highway, which has been the main route for students attending both the Federal University Lokoja and the Kogi State Polytechnic.

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The motion called for swift action to construct an alternative route to ensure the safety of students and other road users.The delegation accompanying the Speaker included Hon Omotayo Ishaya Adeleye, representing Ijumu State Constituency, and several key state officials, including the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Yusuf Mohammed Ahovi, and the Director General of the Kogi State Roads Maintenance Agency (KOG ROMA), Engr Yunusa Alhassan.

During the visit, the Commissioner for Works reassured the team that the alternative route would be completed promptly, emphasizing the state’s commitment to ensuring safer travel for students and residents of the area.

Speaking on the significance of the visit, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf emphasized his personal concern for the students, particularly as a representative of Lokoja II. He expressed deep worry over the recurring accidents on the Felele highway, stressing that the new road was a critical step toward reducing such incidents.

The Speaker called on the Commissioner for Works to expedite the construction of the route, which he believes will not only enhance safety but also restore the confidence of students, parents, and the broader community in the safety of the area.

In response to the delegation, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, the Vice Chancellor of FUL, expressed gratitude for the government’s proactive stance on addressing the safety concerns of the university community.

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He assured the officials that the university management is fully committed to supporting any measures that will ensure the safety of students and staff, emphasizing the importance of creating a secure environment for learning. The Vice-Chancellor also expressed hope that the new road would facilitate smoother access to the campus, particularly for those traveling from distant areas.

The visit concluded with a statement from the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, who also praised the state government’s swift action. He thanked both Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf for prioritizing the safety of students and motorists, noting that the new route would significantly reduce the risks posed by the congested Felele highway.