Transportation: Kogi Ultra Modern Bus Terminal Commences Operation.
Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Lokoja mega bus terminal constructed and commissioned over 5 years ago by Kogi state government under Capt. Idris Wada administration, will now be opened for public use today, Thursday.
The ultra modern mega bus terminal located at Felele, a suburb of Lokoja the state capital, was commissioned in January 2016 by the then Ondo state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and has a capacity of over 500 vehicles loading and discharging passengers.
Commissioner for information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, who was on the spot assessment on Tuesday, to ascertain the level of readiness of the edifice for its operations, disclosed that the mega terminal which was started by the past administration of Captain Idris Wada, has to be completed by the present administration, with the view to alleviate the intractable transport management problems in the state.
He explained that the present administration in its wisdom considered Government as a continuum and decided to complete the edifice to ensure smooth take off of the park which is expected to reduce the accidents occasioned by indiscriminate parking of vehicles along the expressway within the city.
Fanwo explained that Kogi state which happened to be in the centre of the country providing thoroughfares to all citizens from the Northern to Southern states, deserves a standard motor terminal.
He therefore advised all operators of mini parks within the Lokoja metropolis to relocate to the new mega terminal to avoid collision with law enforcement agencies.
” The immediate past administration started the construction to a certain level, however this administration of Governor Yahaya Bello recognises that government is a continuum, hence, he needed to complete the project and we are set to opened it for public usage.
” This terminal is going to spark a revolution in transportation management in the state. Lokoja is a nodal town , it is in the centre of the country. It connects South South, South East, Southwest with the Northern states of the country and with this the problem of transportation management would be solved.” He said.
While urging commuters and passengers to avail themselves with the opportunity provided by the mega terminal, assured of adequate security presence around the place, as all necessary requirements for a worthwhile journey have been put in place
He advised comutters, passengers, transport owners to patronise the station as it has been designated the only legal terminal for boarding and discharging passengers in the state.
In his remark, the Commissioner for Transportation, Baron Okwoli, assured the public that the construction work has reached 99.99 percent and it is ready to be declared opened by his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the 15th April, 2021 saying it will clean up the Nataco area of the metropolis noted for its disorderliness of commuters, passengers and transport owners.
He said the government has taken cognizance of the different categories of passengers and have prepared to provide the best facilities at the terminal.
He added that to solve the challenges of those providing ancillary services at the old parks, an alternative area has been marked for restaurants and hawkers to remain in business.
The Commissioner who warned against did obedience by commuters to key into the new arrangements, said non compliance would be an offence punishable under the operational rules of the station.
According to him” we have been able to create additional entrance gate… It is not the best to have one entry and exit route. It cost us huge amount of money. We have upgraded the 11kva to 33kva generator with standby 500kva generator to ensure 24 hours electricity. We want the state to be a hub for travellers to have a place to rest before proceeding.
In his remark, the Chief Security Adviser to the Governor, Jerry Omodara, assured travellers of the security arrangement already put in place to guaranteed the safety and protection of their lives.
