Kogi Govt to Construct Alternative Route in FULOKOJA

Earlier today, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, received in audience a delegation from the Kogi State Government led by the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf.

The team included the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Engr. Muhammed Avohi Yusuf; the Chairman, Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu; among other members of the State House of Assembly and government officials. 

The visit was in connection with the recent trailer accident that happened along Felele highway involving a trailer and FUL shuttle bus which claimed the lives of five (5) students and the driver, resulting in students protest and the indefinite closure of the University by the Management.

During the visit, the Speaker commiserated with the University Management over the sad incident, assuring that the State Government was already considering all available options with a view to reducing the incessant occurrence on the federal highway, including constructing an alternative route, pedestrian bridge, additional speedbumps, among other lasting measures being considered. The Speaker also noted that proper consultation needed to be carried out since it is a federal road before any action can be taken in terms of trailer movement restriction, adding that the matter was already before the National Assembly.

Specifically, he informed the Vice-Chancellor that the visit was on the directive of the Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, who had equally instructed the Commissioner for Works, to liaise with the University's Directorates of Physical Planning and Development Department (PP&DD), and Works and Services, to assess the site earmarked for the construction of an alternative road that would pass through the University to avoid the recklessness of trailer drivers on the highway, reduce pressure on the busy expressway, and provide a safer route for staff and students shuttling in and out of campus daily.

The Speaker equally pleaded with the University Management to consider reopening the University for academic activities to resume in the interest of the students.