By correspondent in Lokoja.
Kogi State Government has opened a 5-kilometer alternate route in Nyamanyama Village along the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road, designed to serve as a bypass if the primary Ganaja road becomes impassable due to rising floodwaters.
Our correspondent gathered that the preemptive action, led by the Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team, aims to alleviate potential disruptions for motorists, if flooding obstructs the main route, as water levels approach critical levels.
The Reporters recalled that Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo had earlier directed the team to establish this alternate road to prevent hardship for travelers in the area.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of commuters, the Governor stressed the importance of ensuring safe, uninterrupted passage for motorists.
Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Flood Disaster Response Team, said the team has moved swiftly in tesponse to the Governor’s directive.
Engr. Mohammed Yusuf, State Commissioner for Works and team member, expressed satisfaction with the road’s progress, describing the development as evidence of “responsive governance.”
Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, noted the severe impact of flooding this year and the necessity of the bypass.
He said that the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road remains a critical route, serving hundreds of thousands of commuters daily and connecting to Nigeria’s Southeast and South-South regions.
“The flooding is devastating. “Properties worth billions have been lost, with homes, farmlands, and valuables submerged,” Fanwo stated.
He emphasized that only 25 per cent of Ibaji Local Government Area is currently above water.
“The Federal Government needs to step in as our resources are stretched in this fight to safeguard affected communities,” the commissioner urged.
