By Abdullahi Lukman
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Saturday inspected ongoing erosion control and road construction projects in Ankpa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental restoration across Kogi State.
Speaking with a NatureNews correspondent during the visit, Governor Ododo emphasized that the erosion control initiative is not merely a physical intervention but a crucial step toward protecting vulnerable communities.
“Erosion control projects are not just about infrastructure—they are about saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and restoring the dignity of our communities,” he said.
The inspection focused on the Olubojo site under the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. Ododo, accompanied by Deputy Governor Elder Joel Salifu, Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah, and other state officials, toured the area alongside ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto.
The governor commended the quality of work and noted significant progress in stabilizing areas previously devastated by erosion.
He urged contractors to uphold project standards, reminding them that the funding was a loan, not a grant, and must be judiciously managed.
He also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating Kogi State’s participation in the ACReSAL project and thanked the World Bank for its continued technical and financial support.
Earlier in the day, Ododo was received by the Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Council, Engr. Ademu Mohammed Yahaya, for the inspection of road projects and the commissioning of infrastructure facilitated by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims.
The governor visited key project locations, including Area-1, Ofejiji, Ogaji, Olubojo, Ona-Ogaji, Mission Street, and Oguchekpo Road.
Additional projects inspected included a water supply system at Angwa and a bridge at Biraidu-Ukoh in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Residents turned out in large numbers to welcome the governor, praising the state government’s intervention in areas long affected by erosion and poor infrastructure.
In a passionate appeal witnessed by NatureNews, Alfa Momoh Rabiu urged the governor to reconstruct the deteriorated Ankpa-Abejukolo road.
Ododo responded decisively: “Consider it done,” a promise he repeated three times, drawing applause from the crowd.
“The people of Ankpa have shown remarkable hospitality,” Ododo told NatureNews. “
This reception is unforgettable, and I assure them that the Ankpa-Abejukolo road will receive the government’s full attention very soon.”
The governor reiterated that while not all citizens can be employed in government, infrastructure development remains a key strategy for inclusive growth and prosperity.
“We are building a state where every citizen, regardless of location, benefits from development.
Infrastructure is our tool for equity,” he said, while commending contractors for their diligence and pledging continued oversight.
