By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
The House representative member representing Lokoja/ Kogi federal Constituency, honourable Danladi Sulaiman Aguya, has pledged commitment to the development of his constituent and Kogi state in general.
Aguye made the pledge on Thursday during the official commissioning and handing over of drainage constructed by HYPPADEC in koto Karfe, kogi local of Kogi state.
He reiterate his commitment to collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to drive home projects and programmes that will have direct bearing on the people of Lokoja/Kogi Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker called on HYPPADEC to continue to work in synergy with his office site more projects in the area and Kogi state in general.
Full text speech delivered by Hon. Danladi Sulaiman Aguye,members representing Lokoja/Kogi federal Constituency at the commissioning and official handing over of Drainage Constructed by HYPPADEC in kogi Local Government area,on Thursday 2nd of May 2024.
PROTOCOLS;
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
Chairman of the Governing Board of HYPPADEC,
The Managing Director of HYPPADEC,
Members of the Governing Board,
Our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom and other Royal fathers here present,
Board of Directors, Other invited guests, Member of the press, Ladies and Gentlemen.
“Today provides another milestone in our collective stride to build the Nigerian of our dream and a descent environment where all and sundry live to accomplish their livelihood. I am happy not only to be a part of this milestone, but also standing to address this august gathering as your representative and member of the house committee on HYPPADEC. I therefore, congratulate the people of Kogi
Local Government Area for this impactful project which is about to be commissioned today.
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission was established by an Act of the National Assembly (HYPPADEC establishment Act2010) to address ecological menace from the operations of Hydroelectric Dams.This followed agitations by individuals, groups and formal institutions affected by construction and operations of these dams in Nigeria.The move was to cushion the ecological, socioeconomic and psychological effect of the dams on the communities that suffered a great deal of imbalances from the projects without commiserate reward to bridge the gap created in their lives. To make progress, a comprehensive review of the negative effect and devastation caused by the operations of Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba Dams on the communities was carried out which culminated into a bill for consideration by the National Assembly.
The areas of intervention of HYPPADEC includes but not limited to; Ecology, Infrastructure, Education and Socio-Economic. Since inception, HYPPADEC has been omitted to addressing its core mandate to the catchment areas. I want to be specific that the drainage being commissioned today has the potential of addressing these thematic areas highlighted above and will no doubt, enhance the socioeconomic activities of not only Kogi LGA, but Kogi state and Nigeria at large.This project will further enhance optimal dry season farming through less cost irrigation practice and scale up food security as part of Mr. President’s agenda.
I want to use this medium to reiterate my commitment to collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to drive home projects and programmes that will have direct bearing on the people of Lokoja/Kogi Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency. I therefore call on HYPPADEC to continue to work in synergy with my office to do more of this to the people of Lokoja/Kogi-KK Federal Constituency in particular and the rest of the state in general.
I cannot conclude my address without appreciating the Executive Governor of Kogi State His Excellency, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo and his immediate predecessor, His Excellency, Alh.YahayaBellofor providing an enabling atmosphere for HYPPADEC to thrive in the state. This gesture is evident by the presence of the commission’s project across the nooks and crannies of the state.I also appreciate the governing board and management team of HYPPADEC for your purpose-driven interventions in recent times. My doors are wide open to give all necessary legislative backing to your commission to continue to do more for our people.
Finally, I wish to appeal to you, the SGF to give adequate consideration to eminently qualified individual from Lokoja/Koto and Kogi state at large in the composition of the governing team of this commission and other MDAs because
our people are largely not being considered in the current lists of appointments at the federal level. I call on the people of Kogi LGA to make effective use of this project in the area and other ones for significant economic prosperity.
Thank you all for coming and I wish you journey mercy to your respective destinations”
