As Kogi State marks its 35th anniversary, the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called on the state government to prioritise development, accountability and improved welfare of citizens.
The Executive Director of CHRCR, Idris Miliki Abdul, made the call in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Kogi State.
Abdul said the anniversary should be an opportunity for the government and citizens to reflect on the state’s achievements, challenges and future development.
He identified poor infrastructure, inadequate water supply, environmental degradation, lack of inclusiveness, alleged poor accountability and the absence of a state-owned television station as some of the challenges facing Kogi.
The rights group particularly criticised the absence of a state-owned television station, saying the situation had affected effective communication, public enlightenment and accountability between the government and citizens.
It also expressed concern over the condition of media organisations in the state, citing the reported prolonged closure of Grace FM in Lokoja and urging the government to support the media industry.
The group further raised concerns over water supply in Lokoja despite the city’s location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue.
On infrastructure, CHRCR said many roads across the state remained in poor condition and urged the government to give greater attention to road construction, housing and other basic infrastructure.
It also called for the development of the state’s tourism sector, particularly Mount Patti, Confluence Beach Hotel and Kogi Hotel, which it said could generate employment and revenue if properly developed.
The group urged the government to establish industrial layouts and promote industries that could create jobs for residents.
On the environment, CHRCR described the sanitation situation in Lokoja as worrying and called for urgent measures to improve waste management and environmental protection across the state.
The organisation also questioned the large number of political appointments by the state government, urging the administration to focus more on economic development and measurable results.
It called for greater transparency in the distribution of government palliatives, saying the state’s Social Protection Register should be reviewed and used to guide social intervention programmes.
The group also urged the state government to make laws passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly available to citizens through proper gazetting.
On anti-corruption, CHRCR called for the establishment of the state anti-corruption commission, saying this would strengthen accountability and transparency in governance.
The organisation, however, acknowledged what it described as recent improvements in the state’s security sector and urged the government to sustain the efforts while strengthening community participation in security.
CHRCR recommended the establishment of a state television station, development of housing through strategic investment, review of the Social Protection Register, formulation of a social investment policy and a comprehensive review of the state’s environmental policy.
It also urged the government to improve land, water and air transportation, arguing that Kogi’s strategic location and borders with several states provide opportunities for economic growth.
The group said Kogi has significant opportunities in agriculture, mining, housing, tourism, transportation, marine development and industrialisation, urging the government to harness these resources for the benefit of citizens.
It called on Kogi residents to demand accountability and good governance while working with the government to build a more developed and economically competitive state.