Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to address root causes of ecological challenges to safeguard lives and properties across the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated this while commissioning the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project in Kogi State.
He assured citizens of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu towards the welfare of Nigerians by taking proactive measures to mitigate occurrences of flood disaster and other related ecological problems.
Akume, according to a statement by the Director Information in his office, Segun Imohiosen, stated that the Flood Control Project is part of government’s efforts to forestall the recurrence of the 2022 flood with its attendant loss of properties and hardship on the people of Koton Karfe and its environs.
He recalled that the 2022 floods which ravaged various parts of the country, including Koton Karfe, resulted in untold human suffering and economic disruption.
“The repercussions of this disaster were felt far and wide, affecting not only the residents of this community but also disrupting vital routes that connect different regions of our country.
“It was in the light of these pressing realities that the Federal Government through the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) took decisive action to address the root causes of flooding and mitigate its impact here in Kogi and other states where the Commission operates.
“The construction of the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project stands as a testament to Mr. President’s resolve to ameliorate the sufferings of the people it is meant to serve,” the SGF said.
Akume, represented by the Director, SGF’s Office, Simon Tyungu, commended the commitment of the N-HYPPADEC for the prompt execution of the project and encourage the Commission to replicate same gesture in other flood-prone communities across the country.
He urged the host community to actively participate in the maintenance and upkeep of this infrastructure to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the flood control measures remain effective and operational.
Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by his deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention projects which have ameliorated the plights of the people in the state, noting that the intervention has brought an end to the recurrent flooding during rainy seasons in the area.
He also acknowledged Federal Government’s intervention efforts in addressing ecological problems in Lokoja, Ankpa, Okene, among others.
In his remarks, the Managing Director N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa said that the Commission through its comprehensive flood control mechanism, was able to identify the root cause of the perennial flooding that has been ravaging the community, assuring that the project would put pay to the recurring incidence of flooding in the affected community.
