The traditional ruler of Ibaji in Kogi State and the Eje of Ibaji, Ajofe John Egwemi, has urged the Federal Government to dredge Rivers Niger and Benue to prevent the yearly flooding in the country, particularly in Kogi State.
He also stressed the urgent need for the government to build dams on the two major rivers, saying that smaller countries have their dams and everyday, Nigeria faces threats from Cameroun over release of water.
The monarch gave the charge, yesterday, when the Managing Director of Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, led his management team on an on-the-spot assessment of flood-prone areas in the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Victor Adewale Omofaiye, while speaking during the visit, said issue of dredging and road reconstruction was beyond the scope of the state government.
He said the state government would, however, continue to provide succour to alleviate the sufferings of the people, adding that should the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) prediction of flooding come true, temporary settlements would be arranged.
Yelwa, in his response, pledged the commission’s resolve to reconstruction of Idah-Onyedega road linking the flood-ravaged Ibaji Local Council with the outside world.
The tour, according to him, is to avail the commission’s management opportunity to assess the level of devastation and afford the community people the chance to participate in identifying possible areas of intervention.
