Community solicits support for bridge construction in Kogi

The Oguma community in Bassa local government area of Kogi state has appealed to public spirited individuals in the state and other parts of Nigeria for urgent intervention in constructing the Oguma-Sheria bridge linking the community with other parts of the state.

Addressing newsmen Saturday during a sensitisation walk to Bassa LGA headquarters, Aguma’s palace and other areas, the local organising head, Bako Tashilane, said Oguma and Sheria communities have been affected trade-wise for years because of the collapse of the bridge.

He said: “The Oguma-Sheria bridge is the only bridge linking the other villages to the LGA headquarters and the indigenes of the LGA are predominantly farmers. In 2009, a group of independent researchers from a research-intensive university, with a reputation for excellence and strong vibrant research culture, the University of Nairobi, Kenya, reported that Bassa farmers produce up to 75 percent of yam, maize, millet and guinea-corn in Kogi state.

“However, since the collapse of the bridge in October 2014, some farmers have left the LGA to other parts of Kogi state.They have gone as far as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Kwara states to farm, while those still on ground find it difficult to move their farm produce out. Also, those into agro business cannot access the farmers due to this barrier.

“The technical committee of the bridge project has presented an estimate of 37 million naira for the construction of the 30 meters bridge. However, we need agricultural investors to invest massively as the Oguma community is blessed with fertile soil and the inhabitants are peaceful. Investors are guaranteed high propensity for business successes in the Bassa LGA.”

Receiving the community members in her office on behalf of the LGA chairman, the vice chairman of Bassa LGA, Mrs Rebecca Kpanache, urged them to continue the sensitisation, even as she prayed for support in the execution of the project.

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