Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Egwaba, says Ibaji stakeholders are fully behind the policies and programmes of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Hon. Egwaba, who convened a stakeholders’ meeting at her residence in Ibaji, described the creation of Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSEPADEC) as the fulfillment of a four-decade-old aspiration of the people.
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She said Ibaji had long awaited the commencement of oil exploration and now felt the impact of government presence, noting that the establishment of the KOSEPADEC and other projects in the area was in recognition of their support for the government of the state.
“For over 40 years, Ibaji people have waited for oil exploration to become a reality. Today, through the establishment of KOSEPADEC, our hopes have been fulfilled. The governor has not only given us the commission but also roads and other developmental projects. Ibaji is APC, and APC is Ibaji. We will continue to stand by the governor come rain, come shine,” she said.
The Managing Director of KOSEPADEC, Mr. Omonu Jackson James, described the commission as a milestone that would deliver lasting economic and social benefits to Ibaji and Kogi State at large.
He assured that measures were being put in place to protect aquatic life and farmlands, given the area’s reliance on farming and fishing.
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“Ibaji people will at last feel the development they have long desired, as investors are already showing interest,” he added.
He commended Governor Ododo for consolidating the foundation laid by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, commended the governor’s timely intervention in road projects, stressing that the administration’s decision to carry out surveys and reconstruction during the rainy season showed genuine understanding of Ibaji’s difficult terrain.
“The governor has chosen the right time to evaluate and reconstruct our roads. This shows he truly identifies with Ibaji people. On behalf of my people, I commend His Excellency for the gesture,” he stated.
In their goodwill messages, traditional rulers, youth leaders, community leaders, and other stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Ododo and the APC and pledged continued support for the administration’s efforts to bring development to Ibaji local government.
