3 hours ago
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LOKOJA – The traditional ruler of Olu Apata in Lokoja Local Government Council, HrH Ambassador Fredrick Durojaiye Balogun has appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to as a matter of urgent importance complete the ongoing construction of health centre and sinking of boreholes across his domain.
This , the royal father noted, is to bring health care delivery closer to the people in order to ameliorate hardships faced by the people in need of health services.
This is just as the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has promised to mobilise relevant agencies to site to complete all projects ongoing in the area, saying , he hold dear to his heart, healthcare and wellbeing of the people of Apata.
The Monarch made the appeal on Saturday 22 February, 2025 at his 10th year anniversary celebration and a launch of #500m appeal fund held at his palace in Apata community.
Ambassador Oba Balogun, who reeled out numbers of development projects under his watch , in the last ten years, called for investors to tap into the latitude of opportunity inherent to bring their investments to the community.
He disclosed that on assumption of the stool, he mobilised necessary resources for the construction of security post which has enhanced security across the communities.
According to the monarch,
through his efforts at galvanising the people, built a block of four class rooms for L.G.E.A. Primary School, adding that the facelift of Old Oba’s Palace building was completed and handed over to Kogi State Ministry of Justice as Chief Magistrate Court Il and was commissioned by Justice Henry Olusuyi, in the year 2022.
He commended the former Governor,Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his doggedness and commitment to upscale the living standards of his people with numerous community driven projects which have assisted in peaceful coexistence and massive employment for his people, saying , governor Ododo has continued in the good footsteps of his predecessor.
“Let me without mincing words, pay glowing tribute to the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo whose intervention in Apata Community is in no small measure. It is on record that Governor Ododo happened to be the first Governor of the State to have stepped his feet on our soil. Precisely on 15th December 2025, He was in Apata Community to flag off the construction of a 19.5km road. This is unprecedented show of love for Apata Community and we remain eternally grateful to him.
“Furthermore, the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo has helped in no small measure in ensuring the security of lives and properties in Apata Community. The administration has thus far engaged some of our young men as Vigilantes. He donated a Patrol Van and Motorcycles for the purposes of securing lives and properties.
“The immense contribution of Alhaji Dr. Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group of industries in Human and Capital Infrastructure in Apata Community remain unparalleled. Dangote Groups have in no small measure helped in providing employment for our teeming Youths, as well as providing scholarships for our students. The Company has consistently trained our children in the Dangote Academy, and has also empowered our women with many of them trained in several skills and supported with start up packs to help improve their businesses.
” Dangote Cement PLC was solely responsible for the electrification of Apata Community, Donated transformers, constructed motorized boreholes, built blocks of classrooms for both Primary and UBE Schools, constructed bridges, provided access roads, constructed culverts, drainage and security of the communities” he disclosed.
While adulating the state government for its development strides, appeal for completion of the Primary Health Care Centre as its completion would handle health issues of the communities of Zariagi in Adavi Local Government, Jakura, Oyo, Obajana, lwa, and OShokoshoko in Oworo District of Lokoja LGA.
He disclosed that the community has foreseen the upcoming massive development, and had mapped out over 10km land along the road ready for housing estates and business development ,urging investors to maximize the opportunity as Apata community is blessed with numerous mineral deposits including Dangote Cement company limited
While assuring of his people’s support for the government of Gov. Ododo , promised to provide purposeful leadership for his people for the transformation of the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Ododo has promised to ensure that aside new projects that will spring up in the area , all ongoing construction projects would be completed in good time for the benefit of the people.
Represented by the Secretary to Government of Kogi state Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike, the governor noted that he would not take the confidence the people repose on him for granted as he is committed to work for the people.
He commended the monarch, whom he described as youthful royal father for his contribution for the growth of his ancestral land adding that numerous development projects is a testament to his purposive and purposeful direction.
He assured the monarch of his government to partner with him in the areas of security and development of the communities.
Highlights of the occasion was the launch of Development Appeal Fund and bestowal of chieftaincy titles on the Managing Director, kogi state Community and Social Development Agency, Alhaji Dauda Momoh and others who have contributed to the rapid transformation of his domain.
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