The Federal Government of Nigeria has on 11th October, 2018 commissioned and handed completed gully Erosion Control Works of Adiabo Okutikang Beach in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni who represented the President, President Muhamadu Buhari, expressed his joy over the massive project the FG has completed for the benefit of Adiabo community and its environs which he said would no doubt bring relief to the community which has suffered a long period of ecological challenges.
He reiterated Mr. President’s promise that no part of the country would suffer neglect owning to its geographical location or political consideration.
According to the Hon. Minister, the successful completion of the project if well utilised would turn Adiabo Okutikang community into a tourist centre thereby promoting socio-economic activities of the area.
While underscoring the present administration’s determination to continue with the implementation of all genuine Government policies, agreements and contracts entered into at both National and International levels by the previous administrations, Prof. Ocheni maintained that this project would reduce danger to lives and properties associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced in the recent past.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Soil Erosion and Flood Control, Engr. Felix Okeke informed the audience that the project which was initiated by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-lta, was meant to arrest the continuous erosion and flood menace in the community and to avoid further environmental degradation.
While praising the consultant and the contractor for the timely completion of the project which was made possible through their hard work and the efforts of the Ecological Fund Office staff, she *also* *informed* the audience that the purpose of the commissioning and handover of the project to the benefitting community was to ensure ownership and sustainability of the Project.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-lta who is the daughter of the soil praised God Almighty for making the project a reality, which according to her has started to transform the economic and social lives of the youths and women in the area. Mrs Oyo-Ita while thanking the youths and elders of the of Adiabo for the display of maturity, discipline and responsibility throughout the period of the project, advised them to always engage in productive businesses that the project has offered them. She also warned them to desist from touting activities.
The Paramount ruler, Calabar South, Prof. Ham Hogan who spoke on behalf of the community thanked the Federal Government and asked for more of such projects within their area. He also pledged the community’s unalloyed support to Mr President’s second term in office
Both the state and local government representatives at the event were full of joy. As they thanked the Federal Government, they promised to cherish the project and to make maximal use of it to better the economic wellbeing of their people.
Members of Adiabo community and environs were filled with joy as they praised and thanked Mr. President and their daughter for remembering them. Each group including the school children, women, men and youths displayed welcome songs, cultural and entertainment dance steps to make the event more colourful.
Present at the occasion were the surveyor General of the Federatation, traditional rulers of Odukpani and Calabar South, the representative of the Cross-River State, representative of the Odukpani Local Government Area, members of the benefitting communities and the Press crew.
Iheoma-Hart Queenet (Mrs)
SIO
For:
DD Press & Public Relations
Ecological Fund Office
OSGF
