2 YEARS OF INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION IN KOGI

Leadership is probably one of the most critical issues in governance, whether in Military dictatorship or democracy.

In neither forms of governance do you have the two issues treated with kid gloves; for it determines to a large extent, the success of the other.

The successful handling of leadership brings very much to bear on the nature of governance itself.

At inauguration, Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, clearly spelt out the strategic value of his Transformation Agenda of his administration.

 In his first proclamation of his template of transformation he definitely wasn’t in a cheap move to join the bandwagon of political sloganeering rather the transformation agenda was in response to the need for urgent development and progress of the state.

With the personal experience of Capt Idris Wada having traversed the State during the electioneering campaign,the governor appreciated the need for the building and upgrading of infrastructures.

This informed the reasons of consistency and continuity policy the present administration attached to the completion of all projects it inherited from the past administration.

This Capt Wada also did as he never wanted the performance and projects began by the past administration to be slowed down.

It is important to state that continuity is a key component in governance, whether in the corporate or political world.

Understandably, accelerated development of infrastructures was made the core of the transformation agenda.  After a thorough appraisal, through his think tank and blue print committees, Capt Wada hit the ground running alongside his team, thus underscoring the sense of urgency to change the infrastructure face of the state.

Towards actualizing the lofty goal of diversifying the states economy through tourism, agriculture and industrialization, the construction of new infrastructures which include a good network of roads and the expansion of existing infrastructures has remained his administrations priority.

At different forum, the governor emphasized the importance of opening up the state for easy accessibility across the three senatorial districts as it would go a long way in promoting trade and industry.  He also noted the implication for investors who will be able to navigate the entire state and open up businesses wherever suitable without worrying about basic infrastructure.

That the sum of N20,421,000,000 was allocated to the transport sector in the 2014 budget underscores the importance Capt Idris Wada places on building of good network of roads in the state, as farmers and agro - allied businesses will easily transport their products to markets, just as tourists could move to locate and enjoy the abundant tourists sites the state is blessed with.

To the joy and relief of Kogites , Capt Wada hasn’t only been talking, many will agree and rationally too, that his actions on infrastructural development in the last two years speak louder than words.  It is akin to a revolution by any serious evaluation. Despite limited financial challenges among others, the Wada administration has a lot to show for its short stay in office.

So far, and just within two years in office, over 1500 kilometers of roads across the state have been completed.  Government has also included in the 2014 budget plans to build bridges, public buildings and flyovers alongside construction of several other roads.

Specifically,the road from the new market to Ganaja Junction will be constructed. There will also be a flyover at the Ganaja junction. The road construction will also run from Ganaja down to Otokiti and the welcome to lokoja federal highway at Kabba Junction. Another bye pass road from the secretariat junction is to pass through to Ganaja village. All of this mentioned roads and other inter city roads within the state capital as well as several others across the state would be constructed as priority projects this year.

Allied to the construction of roads are the buildings of a 500 housing estate in Ganaja, building of another 300 post flood housing estate, building of new legislators quarters and renovation of the old legislators quarters and several other government buildings earmarked for renovation.

In the estimation of Capt Wada’s administration, the successful completion of these projects earmarked in the 2014 budget will speed up the quest for a diversified and vibrant economy.  Capt Wada’s dream is to have an airport in Kogi State which among other benefits, will create a direct link to Abuja, the Federal capital territory, thereby consigning to the past the several hours of risky drive from Abuja.  The airport will no doubt jump start the State Economy so much in terms of massive job creation. A boom leading to a huge leap in income for the state and of course a greater lease of life for the people.

The people of Kogi State, visitors and experts alike have noted with satisfaction the quality of the jobs so far undertaken by the Wada’s administration.  The jobs so far executed are of high quality and usually awarded to reputable contractors. This also is the consolation of many indigenes that the projects to be constructed by Wada would stand the test of time.

The unusual volume of construction expected in the state this year will also create fresh opportunities for a legion of youths as well as qualified Engineers, architects and others in the building industry.
The good fortune of the present administration is it's ability to live by its promises and in its transparent dealings in the areas of finance.
Many won’t therefore dispute the fact that in the last two years, the Capt Idris Wada led transformation government has displayed its commitment and determination to make a difference in the lives of the people by providing massive and strategic infrastructures throughout the State. This year is therefore not an exception but a reality of a purposeful administration in place in the state.