The Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has disclosed that priority will be given towards the construction of more houses and roads before the expiration of his tenure.
The governor described provision of shelter and roads for the citizens as most desirable at this period of economic difficulties.
He noted that construction of houses and roads is capital intensive which he said government remains the only alternative to make them available to the masses especially the down trodden citizens.
Governor Yahaya Bello gave the hint while speaking at the on-going building materials exhibitions organised by the Kogi State Built Environment and Building Materials Exhibitions in Lokoja.
The Governor who spoke through 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 project will not only boost standard in the system but encourage patronage of indigenous products.
Bello 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.
He further disclosed that out of the 16 road projects awarded by his administration, 14 have been completed across the state, adding that 3 other inherited road projects have also been completed.
He confirmed that Solar-powered street lights have been installed in Lokoja, Kabba and Okene, while others are still ongoing.
The governor also revealed that the state government has recorded remarkable milestone in the area of building infrastructure.
In his goodwill message to the event, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Organization of Nigeria, Farouk Salim explained that the agency among other objectives is empowered by an act of the National Assembly to prepare standards for all products goods and services produced or rendered in the country.
Salim who was represented at the occasion by Engr. Olowu Alex Daudu, stressed further 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.
“When you use materials that are substandard, instead of building the environment you are struggling to build, you end up destroying it, because the environment constitutes both the living and non-living components, containing the biosphere and atmosphere, and that’s the essence of this program.
If you use product that is not in conformity with the requirement of the standard, you will still not be satisfied”, Engr. Daudu concluded.
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.
End.
