Ajofe John Egwemi, the Eje of Ibaji and the traditional ruler of Ibaji in Kogi State, has urged the federal government to dredge the Rivers Niger and Benue to stop the nation’s periodic floods, especially in Kogi State.
Additionally, he emphasized the urgent necessity for the government to construct dams on the two major rivers, arguing that smaller nations already have their own dams and that Nigeria constantly gets threats from Cameroun regarding water releases.
The monarch gave the charge, yesterday, when the Managing Director of Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, led his management team on an on-the-spot assessment of flood-prone areas in the state.
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The state Commissioner for Environment, Victor Adewale Omofaiye, while speaking during the visit, said the issue of dredging and road reconstruction was beyond the scope of the state government.
He said the state government would, however, continue to provide succor to alleviate the sufferings of the people, adding that should the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) prediction of flooding come true, temporary settlements would be arranged.
Yelwa, in his response, pledged the commission’s resolve to reconstruct of Idah-Onyedega road linking the flood-ravaged Ibaji Local Council with the outside world.
The tour, according to him, is to avail the commission’s management the opportunity to assess the level of devastation and afford the community people the chance to participate in identifying possible areas of intervention.
Story adapted from The Guardian
