FG assures of equity in meeting citizens’ yearnings

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, says no part of Nigeria would suffer neglect because of geographical location or political affiliations under the Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
Ogbe made the assertion on Monday at the inauguration of gully erosion control sites in Kaltungo and Akko Local Government Areas of Gombe State.
The minister reiterated the present administration’s determination to execute projects across the country to demonstrate the sincerity of President Muhammadu Buhari in entrenching justice, equity and fair play.
At Kaltungo, Ogbe said the project was expected to check flooding, erosion as well as improve the condition of roads in the township after years of   neglect.
He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the Federal Government’s intervention is apt and timely given the previous devastating experience in the area.
“Kaltungo town is encircled with huge mountains and poor town planning,  a situation which escalated the rate of deterioration of many erosion sites and expanded the existing gullies that had for years remained a nightmare, with effects on lives and properties of the inhabitants.”
According to him, the existing drainage in the area could not handle the volume of runoff coming from the hills and mountain due to its state of dilapidation.
He said: “Kaltungo community could not continue to bear this calamity without resorting to Federal Government for intervention.
“In this regard, the intervention has yielded a positive result as threats to lives and properties has been eliminated.”
In Kumo, Akko LGA, Ogbe said the completion of the project also underscored the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling the problems of its citizens.
He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the projects would encourage and improve health status, economic activities and the general well-being of the community.
“I therefore call on everyone in the community to see the project as theirs, jealously guard and ensure that it is adequately maintained.’’
Earlier in her address, Dr Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, said the projects were initiated through a request  for  Federal Government’s intervention in respect of erosion and flooding in the communities.
Lawal, who was represented by Malam Auwal Sani, the Director of  Soil Erosion, Ecological Fund Office, said the project began in 2017 with a duration  of five months and was fully completed in 2018.
The permanent secretary also appealed to the communities to ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the project.