In an effort to boost socio-economic activities around Kogi, Edo States, South and Northern parts of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has been urged to construct a bridge linking Agenebode to Idah.
The call was made by senior Consultant and Public Affairs analyst, Abdulsalam Suleiman Izuagbe, against the backdrop of the dilapidated and disturbing Muritala Mohammed bridge in Lokoja area of Kogi State.
Speaking with Arogidigba Global Journal, Izuagbe said Tinubu should fund the bridge from the N5.4 trillion saved from the oil subsidy removal, adding that the bridge would further boost the president’s renewed hope agenda in both states.
He lamented that the Muritala Mohammed bridge has been over-laboured with cargo which should ordinarily be transported from South to North via rail.
According to Izuagbe: “We are calling for the construction of a bridge between Kogi and Edo State because it will contribute to the renewed Hope agenda of the president and it will boost commerce, economic activities, and refuse the disturbing structure at the Muritala Muhammed bridge in Lokoja.
“That bridge is becoming fragile and weak due to years of overloading of materials like cement and Iron rods that are going from South to North, due to the fact that the railway system has not been developed, a lot of heavy loads that should be on the rail tracks have been crossing that bridge. If you get there in Lokoja you will pity the condition of that bridge because it’s urgently begging for a supporting bridge.
“Agenebode is about one kilometre to Idah in Kogi State but there is no bridge to link these people since God created them, people are dying on canoes and the type of canoes we have don’t have life jackets and are as old as my grandfather. Tinubu should consider a bridge there because there is money that can presently fund it.
“There is a savings of N5.4 trillion from the removal of oil subsidy, the president has been so nice in managing this money. One trillion can be plugged into that bridge and it will do it if given to a good organization.”