The Federal government has over the weekend commissioned the erosion control and road improvement project in Akampka Local government area of Cross River state. The project as approved by the President was meant to address the devastating effects of erosion flood menace and improve motorable road to the communities.
Speaking at the event during the commissioning, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Hon Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy Agba, said the completion of the project had underscored the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling problems of its citizens and making life more meaningful for the people. He noted that the project was a testimony to the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer any neglect owing to its geographical location or political consideration.
While appreciating the Federal Government for the project, the Governor of Cross River state, Prof. Ben Ayade, represented by the Hon Commissioner for Environment Cross River State, Mr. Mfon Bassey commended the Federal Government for the urgent intervention. He further expressed his joy for the occasion pointing out that the importance of the project to the community cannot be over emphasized.
Earlier in her welcome address, the permanent Secretary Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal represented by Engr. Udochi Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Soil and Erosion Control department Ecological Fund Office, said that the project was initiated through a request for an urgent intervention forwarded to the Ecological Fund Office by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred, Ekanem Oyo-Ita (FCA) in order to arrest the continuous erosion, flooding and other ecological challenges in the communities and to avoid further environmental degradation, loss of lives and properties.
She revealed that EFO is a federal agency operating under the approval of the presidency which roles and responsibilities are to ameliorate, mitigate and intervene in various environmental challenges such as desertification, erosion, flooding and other natural challenges affecting communities across the country.
Habiba urged the benefiting communities to take over and exercise ownership over the project, to ensure its maintenance and sustainability that the resources which the Federal Government had committed to the project must not be allowed to waste.
The village head of Ifumkpa community, Mr. Ejum Mathias commended the Federal Government and EFO for the timely intervention and pleaded for more social amenities for the community such as mast installation, good water system, and tarring of the road. According to him, Ifumkpa community as a catchment area in Akamkpa, is rich in agricultural resources, requires easy access to urban areas where her agricultural produce would be marketed.
Present at the event were the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government, Chief of staff to the Honourable minister of state for Power, traditional rulers of the communities and members of the Community.
Nnorom Ugomma Julian
Principal Executive Officer 1
