By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the completion and awarding of key road infrastructure projects in the state. During a recent working visit to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in Abuja, Speaker Yusuf highlighted several critical road projects, including the Ayetoro-Abugi-Eggan stretch, Kabba-Egbe-Ilorin, Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti, and the Benue-Ankpa roads, urging the federal government to expedite their completion.
Speaker Yusuf emphasized that Kogi State’s strategic location as a central link between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria makes these road projects vital for national economic integration. He noted that the state’s overwhelming support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2023 elections further underscores the need for federal attention to these infrastructure challenges.
In his appeal, Speaker Yusuf acknowledged the efforts of local legislators, specifically Senator Sunday Karimi and Hon. James Faleke, for their unwavering commitment to the development of Kogi West and Yagba Federal Constituency, respectively. He urged the Minister to support these lawmakers in their endeavors to elevate the state’s infrastructure to national standards.
Additionally, Speaker Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing an indigenous Managing Director for the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, viewing the appointment as a fulfillment of the President’s promises and a step towards revitalizing the nation’s industrial sector.
Responding to the Speaker’s appeal, Minister Umahi assured of the federal government’s commitment to the timely completion of the highlighted road projects. He reiterated that under President Tinubu’s administration, there is a concerted effort to enhance the nation’s road infrastructure, emphasizing that the development of Kogi State remains a priority.
The discussions between Speaker Yusuf and Minister Umahi reflect a collaborative approach towards addressing Kogi State’s infrastructure needs, aiming to bolster the state’s connectivity and contribute to the broader national development agenda.