General News
Ajaokuta-Otukpo-Onne Rail line Project-SGF assures of FG’s commitment to infrastructure development
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George
Akume has assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development across Nigeria.
The SGF gave the assurance when a delegation of traditional rulers paid him a courtesy visit him on behalf of Dr Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa,, Ata-Igala and President Kogi State Council of Chiefs.
He promised to convey the request of the traditional rulers from Kogi East extraction for the federal government to re-visit the Ajaokuta-Otukpo-Onne Rail Line Project.
He said “I will tell His Excellency Mr President that this is one of ur requests and hopefully it will be included in the next budget.
While reiterating President Tinubu’s resolve to continue to continue to execute policies geared towards growth and national development, Akume said he was a detribalised Nigerian who carried every region along in ensuring that Nigeria stood tall in the comity of nations C
“Tinubu is detraibalised.When he is making appointments he looks at the records.
“The Chief of Army Staff for instance is a wonderful officer fighting against insurgency and they are making profound progress.
“He commended the traditional rulers for the role they play in ensuring a safe society,” he said.
Earlier, the Eje Dekina, Dr Usman Onaje, who represented Attah-Igala and President Kogi State Council of Chiefs (Dr) Matthew Alhaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa commended the President for his developmental strides.
Obaje, who led the delegation, urged the President in his magnanimity to come to the aid of the people by fixing the Ajaokuta-Otukpo-Onne Rail Line Project.
” I am highly delighted and honoured for the opportunity to share with you the challenges and cry of my people and Kingdom the Igala Nation and Kogi State.
“It has become imperative to seek your support to the issue of the Ajaokuta-Otukpo-Onne Rail Line across the River Niger at Itobe.rekindled wot ots inclusion in the Development Plan of the Government”
“When the development of Ajaokuta Steel Plant was conceived, the issue of logistics movement of bulk raw materials like Iron Ore, Cooking Coal, Dolomite, Lime Stone and others was key in the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
“Sir, to solve this challenge, access to the Sea/River Ports was found to be the only option that would make the Ajaokuta Steel Plant viable,”he said.
He further said, ” Access through the River Niger was explored but was found to be inadequate hence the rail line option.’
The traditional rulers said the revisiting of the rail line project would be of immense economic value to the National GDP and the economy of the state.
He said there were other critical federal road Infrastructure cutting across Kogi East that required urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He further said the roads that needed attention ran through Shintaku – Odugbo – Dekina – Olowa – Abocho – Ugbabo as well as Ajiolo – Anyigba and Idah – Odolu – Nsukka Federal Roads.
Obaje assured the president of the state support for his reelection bid.
Part of the delegation was Dr Madisca Achile Haruna and a host of titled chiefs from Kogi East extraction.
