OHINOYI URGES FG TO FAST-TRACK ABUJA–LOKOJA ROAD, SAYS NORTH CENTRAL PLAN MUST REACH RURAL COMMUNITIES
Avoyi Nwogu – MLC Tv
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the completion of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, describing it as a strategic infrastructure project critical to the development of the North Central region.
The traditional ruler made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the North Central Development Summit on the region’s 20-year development plan in Abuja.
He commended the Federal Government for establishing the North Central Development Commission and developing a long-term plan for the region, but stressed that its success should ultimately be measured by its impact on communities.
According to him, the development plan must address the everyday challenges confronting farmers, families, graduates, small businesses and rural communities across the region.
He said development should extend beyond urban centres to villages and rural communities, with priority given to good roads, electricity, water, healthcare, quality education, irrigation, storage facilities, market access and support for small businesses.
The Ohinoyi made a special appeal for the “quick completion” of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, saying the highway connects the Federal Capital Territory with Kogi State and other parts of the North Central and beyond.
He noted that completing the road would facilitate the movement of people and goods, support agriculture and trade, reduce travel time and strengthen economic activities across the region.
“It’s completion will improve the movement of people and goods, support agriculture and trade, reduce travel time and strengthen economic activities across the region,” he said.
Anaje also advocated greater involvement of traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of the 20-year development plan.
He said traditional institutions have a strong understanding of their communities and can provide grassroots information, identify emerging challenges, promote peace and mobilise residents to support development initiatives.
The monarch emphasised that peace and security were essential to sustainable development, noting that insecurity could prevent farmers from accessing their farms and discourage businesses from investing and expanding.
He urged traditional rulers to work with security agencies by promoting dialogue, preventing conflicts and providing useful grassroots intelligence.
The Ohinoyi further called for young people to be placed at the centre of the development plan through increased opportunities for skills acquisition, employment and entrepreneurship.
He said the North Central region was endowed with fertile land, natural resources, hardworking people and a large youth population, adding that these resources could drive prosperity if properly harnessed.
Anaje called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding, policy support and institutional backing for the North Central Development Commission to effectively fulfil its mandate.
He also urged governors, legislators, traditional rulers, development partners, the private sector and communities to contribute to the implementation of the plan.
According to him, the 20-year development plan must transcend individual political administrations and be supported by continuity, transparency, accountability and effective monitoring.
The monarch cautioned that the summit must not end with speeches and resolutions that remain on paper, stressing the need for concrete action.
“This must be the beginning of action,” he said, urging stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that no community was left behind and that farmers, children and young people received the support and opportunities required to prosper.
