The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has commended Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his vision and commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the construction of the state’s ultra-modern market in Lokoja.
Enikanolaiye gave the commendation during a visit to the ongoing ultramodern market project, where he expressed satisfaction with the scope and quality of construction, describing it as an outstanding legacy that would benefit the people of Kogi State.
The minister praised the governor for providing the leadership and vision behind the project, while also acknowledging the contributions of members of the state executive council to the implementation of the project .
He expressed confidence that the project will be completed as scheduled, given the pace of work, adding that it will rank among the greatest legacies of the Ododo administration.
Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election, Enikanolaiye said the governor’s performance and achievements in infrastructure development would be significant factors in determining the outcome, stressing the importance of continuity in governance.
He noted that major infrastructure projects required adequate time for planning and execution, stressing that democracy should place greater emphasis on performance and tangible results as demonstrated by Governor Ododo.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris, said the minister’s visit is part of efforts to explore opportunities under the Trade Liberalisation Scheme and expand Kogi’s access to the West African and wider African markets.
Idris explained that the ultra modern market will provide opportunities for agricultural products, small-scale industrial products and solid minerals from the state to reach wider markets, with the proposed airport expected to complement the project by facilitating the movement of people and goods within and outside the country.
He identified employment generation, increased commercial activities, improved security and revenue growth among the expected benefits of the project.
The commissioner disclosed that the over N30 billion Naira project will accommodate 1,080 lock-up shops and 240 halls, among other facilities, adding that its construction is already providing employment for hundreds of workers and will create further economic opportunities for the people of the state upon completion.
