***demands Lokoja-Shintaku Bridge construction across River Niger
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
THE Bassa-Nge people in Kogi East Senatorial District have called on the Federal Government to prioritize the construction of Lokoja-Shintaku Bridge, across the Rivers Niger and Benue to address decades of neglect and infrastructure decay in the area.
Mr Joseph Emmanuel Yaba,
President, Bassa-Nge Community Development Network, a socio-cultural and political group, under the aegis of #BassaNgeDeservesBetter Campaign, made the demand at a Press Conference on Thursday in Lokoja.
The Network President, flanked by community leaders and social cultural groups from the area, described the bridge a key link that will further open up economic and social connectivity for the people
The bridge, Yaba stressed, would also boost agricultural productions, trade and expand market access; enhance security and improve emergency response.
He said that it would also strengthen access to schools and medical facilities and connect our communities to broader economic growth across Kogi East and Nigeria at large.
“This project remains a vital artery for our survival and progress. The Bassa-Nge people deserve this lifeline now, not later”, he said.
He pointed out that the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku Road, a critical economic lifeline, has been left to deteriorate, cutting off the community from business opportunities, healthcare, and quality education.
Yaba decried the infrastructure decay and utter neglect of the area by successive administrations in the state and the country saying that time has come for the people to raise their voices and demand an end to the neglect.
Yaba pointed out that in spite of remarkable contributions of Military and Political elites from the area to national development, when it comes to basic government infrastructures and development, our people have continued to suffer neglect.
Yaba also highlighted the dire state of healthcare and education, with dilapidated facilities, understaffed and under-equipped health centers, and schools in need of standard classrooms, qualified teachers, and learning materials.
“When you fail in education, you fail in the future. BassaNge Deserves Better because every child deserves the chance to unlock their full potentials. Access to healthcare should not be a privilege, it is a right”, Yaba asserted.
The Network President hinted that as the 2027 elections approach, the Bassa-Nge people are united in demanding development, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
“Development is our priority; Infrastructure is our demand and Inclusive governance is our right. We will support leaders who support us. The votes of our people must translate into visible and measurable development”, he said.
The body expressed its appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his efforts but remains hopeful for more action to address their pressing concerns. (Ends)