PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue with the implementation of all genuine government policies, agreements and contracts at both the national and international levels aimed at laying a solid foundation for the quest for a virile and prosperous nation on the path of unfettered development.
He made this known during the commissioning and handing over of the Channelization and Flood Control of Ponj-Afo River in Ikirun, Osun State, which was executed by the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to the available history, the dumpsite was said to have been there for more than 100 years before it was finally evacuated by the Federal Government last year.
President Buhari, whose message was delivered by the Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said the importance of the project to the community could not be overemphasized as it was expected to address the devastating effects of flooding and erosion menace in the community as well as reduce dangers to lives and property.
He further explained that the completion of the project has also underscored the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling environmental problems in Nigeria and making life more meaningful for the people of the country.
According to him, “I feel honoured to be associated with the commissioning of this project as the Special Guest of Honour because the implementation of this project is in keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that no part of this country will suffer any neglect owing to its geographical location or political consideration.”
ALSO READ: Buhari, Osinbajo, Adebanjo,Awolowo-Dosumu others bid Pastor Bakare’s mum farewell
President Buhari, therefore, charged the benefitting community to see the project as theirs, jealously guard it and prevent dumping of refuse in the constructed drainage channels.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of SGF, Dr (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal said the project was initiated through a request for an urgent intervention forwarded to the EFO by the former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, in order to arrest the continuous erosion and flooding arising from the overflow of the Ponj-Afo River to the Ikirun town, and to avoid further environmental degradation, loss of lives and property arising from thereto.
Mrs. Lawal, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Bola Laditan, said the timely completion of the project was made possible through the efforts of the project contractor and consultant who had worked tirelessly to ensure minimum loss of time in the project implementation scheduled and very close monitoring and prompt honouring of all contractual obligations by the EFO.
In his vote of thanks, the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, whose speech was read by his Special Adviser on Drainage and Floods Control, and Parks and Garden, Honourable Rasheed Olajide Opatola, said when the governor took over in 2010, the state was totally flooded and inhabitants were unable to sleep with their two eyes closed.
“The flood became a nominal phenomenon which became a monster that was made larger than life to the detriment of the people. Property, lives and marker wares were washed away at will and the immediate past government washed helplessly. There was simply not any political will to rescue the people from drowning.” He lamented.
and then