By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Olu of Apata, Oba Frederick Balogun, has commended the Federal Government for completing the fortification of the Oyi River Bridge (Gada-Biu) in Apata, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, describing the work as “expertly done and timely.”
Oba Balogun, who gave the commendation on Saturday during an inspection of the project, said the construction of concrete side walls on the bridge would drastically reduce the frequent road crashes along the Lokoja–Obajana highway.
He lauded the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, for giving priority to the project, noting that the intervention had brought relief to motorists and residents who had suffered losses from accidents at the dangerous spot.
“I personally undertook repairs on this bridge for several years to prevent further tragedies. It was a death trap where many Nigerians lost their lives,” the monarch said. “Only in 2022 did the Federal Government’s attention come after I published the community-led rehabilitation we carried out with the FRSC.”
The traditional ruler recalled that the bridge had long been in disrepair due to erosion, high traffic, and heavy flooding, making it one of the most accident-prone sections of the Obajana–Lokoja corridor — a key route linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to the government for completing the fortification within two weeks, saying the effort demonstrated the administration’s commitment to road safety and infrastructure renewal.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” Oba Balogun added. “That’s why we in Apata have always collaborated with agencies like the FRSC and private partners such as the Dangote Group to ensure this bridge remains safe for commuters.”
The royal father also commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), particularly former Zariagi Unit Commander, Moses Odogiyon, for supporting the community’s earlier interventions to make the bridge safer.
He urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure regular monitoring and maintenance of the bridge and adjoining roads to sustain the safety gains achieved.