Kogi State Government says its partnership with UN-Habitat would enable it produce city structure plan for the state capital for the next twenty years.
Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada stated this in Lokoja at the City consultations for State of Kogi Structure Plans Project held by the state government in conjunction with UN-Habitat.
The physical and economic development plan that will guide sustainable development of Lokoja the state capital, the governor added will also greatly improve the aesthetic provisions beyond what is obtainable at the moment.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said the strategic location of Lokoja, with over 23 state criss crossing the capital on a daily basis,calls for painstaking efforts at adequate planning of the state capital.
Capt Wada disclosed that the city structure plan for the state capital if left checked, will led to unemployment, decayed infrastructure , crime, and harpharzard development. The state governor maintained that the city structure plan will also help in attracting investors and make the state the preferred destination for investors solicited the input of the people in the entire process.
Capt Wada disclosed that the payment of the $1.3million as state government counterparts funds, underscored the importance his administration attaches to urbanization, urged the people to make sincere input that will lead to the realization of the programs objectives.
In a consultation overview, UN Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran Oyeyinka, represented by Kabiru Yari, commended the state government for preparing city plans for four cities in the state.
Prof Oyebanji, described a city plan as a foundation for sustainable development, said the consultation exercise was for the UN and state government to have a first hand information as to what the people’s priorities is, regarding urban planning for socio economic development.
In a welcome remarks, Prof Olugbemiro Jegede, Secretary to Government of Kogi State,said the consultation is geared towards the present and future urbanization program of Lokoja, said the vantage position of the capital places it in a good stead for socio economic development.
In their separate goodwill message,Isah Katun, SSA1, Lokoja LGA and the Representative of the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH, Alh Mohammadu Kabir, expressed delight that Lokoja LGA is a beneficiary of the urbanization plan of the state in its Four cities structure plan in partnership with UN- Habitat, promised to work in synergy with the state government to realize the derivable objectives of the program.
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