- Group says quality of work meets expectations; contractor promises market delivery by June 2027
A socio-political group, the Kogi First Forum, on Thursday expressed satisfaction with ongoing work on the Ultra-Modern International Market in Lokoja and the Kogi International Airport, after inspecting both sites.
The Forum, made up of leaders from the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, said it was pleased with the quality of work at both locations. It commended the state government for undertaking projects it said would add value to the state’s economy and raise its profile internationally.
Speaking to journalists after touring the airport, the Forum’s leader, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), said residents were eagerly awaiting the projects.
He said the airport’s location carries historical weight, describing it as the first airfield in Nigeria, where Lord Frederick Lugard and other colonial officials landed.
“The concept of this project is very viable, and we are happy with those that advised the Governor, and he is putting the resources of the state in this project,” Omodara said. “This is good for us, this is good for Kogi.”
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s decision to revive the airfield was in line with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are members of Kogi First, we are determined to continue to monitor and give progress reports to our communities,” he said.
Omodara praised the contractors for the quality of work on the runway, among other components, and urged them to maintain high standards. He commended Ododo for the “legacy projects” and said Forum members across the 21 local government areas would publicise the governor’s achievements.
At the Ultra-Modern Market in Lokoja, Omodara expressed satisfaction with the work of the indigenous contractor, saying it was being executed in line with international best practices.
“From our visit to the international market, we are very happy with the indigenous company handling this project,” he said. “We are happy with the quality of work here. This is what the people are looking for.”
The project’s site engineer, Lamidi Lasisi, said the market would be completed by June 2027.
“The Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market has everything it needs to be an international market,” Lasisi said. “This project is a very massive one; we have all the structures in place.”
He said the market sits on 13 hectares and will include parking space, a safety zone, a tech hub, warehouses, a clinic, a fire station, a security house, an entrance gate, lock-up shops and an open market.
Other members of the delegation also praised the government’s efforts to develop the state. They included former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly Alfa Imam, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Gabriel Olofu, broadcaster Austin Ochu, and former Kabba-Bunu Local Government Chairman Dr. Nathaniel Ojo Taiwo.
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