By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday presented cheques to gully erosion Project Affected Persons (PAPS) in Olubo-ojo Community in Ankpa Local Government Area.
Gully erosion and flood have caused untold hardship to communities in the Confluence State with property and farmlands destroyed.
In tackling these challenges, Kogi State Government through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank Project has identified 256 Ecological sites with Omigbo Community in Kabba-Bunu, Olubo-ojo in Ankpa and Etahi in Okene Local Government Areas as worst hit.
While cheques have been present to affected Persons in Omigbo Community, the Governor and the AcreSal Team were in Olubo-ojo to do same for erosion Project Affected Persons (PAPS), a ceremony that indicates that the erosion control project will be kick started.
Governor Ododo, in a message to the Occasion reiterated the commitment of his administration in sustaining legacies of his Predecessor in thr Area of erosion control, which is important to reduce the effect of flooding.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Joseph Olusegun, the Contractor handling the project has been directed to engage locals in the execution of the Project.
While calling on the people of Olubojo Community to support and cooperate with the Contractor, Governor Ododo said his administration is ready to proffer solution to the menace of erosion and flooding.
He commended the State Project Coordinator of AcreSal, Barrister Ladi Jatto and her management team for giving due diligence to the execution of the project.
Earlier, the AcreSal State Project Coordinator, Barrister Ladi Jatto noted that Civil work cannot commence at the Site, hence the compensation of persons that would be displaced by the project.
Barrister Jatto, who was represented by the Project Accountant, Pastor Michael Biodun Ojo described Governor Ododo as Environmental Friendly Governor, saying the ceremony marks the end of gully erosion and its impact on the Community.
She advised the beneficiaries to use the fund for the purpose intended and vacate the gully corridor within the stipulated period given them.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Samuel Yahaya and Mrs. Jane Musa described the gesture as a relief of long time suffering and expressed gratitude to the Governor for coming to their rescue.
