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IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA
Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said priority will be given to the construction of more houses and roads before the expiration of his tenure.
While describing provision of shelter and roads for the citizens as most desirable at this period of economic downturn, the Governor noted that such projects are capital intensive, requiring government’s intervention.
He said to meet the desires of the people, government remains the only alternative to make them available to the masses especially the down throdden citizens.
Governor Yahaya Bello gave the assurance when he declared open the Building Materials Exhibitions, organised by the Kogi State Built Environment and Building Materials Exhibitions in Lokoja last week.
The Governor who was represented the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr Emmanuel Audu, commended the joint partnership between the organisation and manufacturers of building materials to embark on the exhibitions.
The governor said that the exhibition program will not only boost standard in the system, but encourage patronage of indigenous products.
He described the theme of this year’s exhibitions as an essential requirement for Socio-economic growth and sustainable development of any society in the provision of life enhancing and reliable infrastructural services.
The Governor disclosed that of the 16 road projects awarded by his administration, 14 have been completed across the state, while that 3 others inherited road projects have also been completed.
Bello also disclosed that Solar-powered street lights have been installed in Lokoja, Kabba and Okene, while others are still ongoing.
In his goodwill message to the organisers and participants of the exhibition, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Farouk Salim, explained that the agency among other objectives is empowered by an act of the National Assembly to prepare standards for all products good and services produced or rendered in the country.
The Director General who was represented at the occasion by Engr. Olowu Alex Daudu, stressed that the organization prepares standards relating to product measurement, materials and processes.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers for identifying with the organization in its 50 years celebration, assuring that it would continue to partner with the group to the standardization of construction materials.
He acknowledged that the event is in tandem with its target of building consonance with requirements of the environment.
High point of the event was the presentation of honorary awards to some deserving personalities for their outstanding contributions to humanity.
Notable among the awardees are Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Engr. Abubakar Ohere, Kogi Central APC Senatorial candidate; Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, National Organising Secretary, BUMPAN, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye,
Others are Arc. Mahmud Ibrahim; Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, State Project Coordinator, NEWMAP; Mrs. Rekiya Onaivo Sanni, MD, Kogi State Enterprise Development Agency, Hon. Adam Bakaso, Chairman, Kogi State Forestry.
