By Mohammed Mohammed
As part of the mandate of the Ecological Project Office (EPO), the Federal Government over the weekend commissioned the completed erosion and flood control project at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital.
President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, acknowledged that the project was approved under the ecological intervention projects in 2020.
The completed project was one among others outlined to address the perennial problem of erosion in the area so as to enhance the comfort of the youth corps members during their orientation programme.
Sambo, emphasized the zeal with which the Buhari led administration had been executing infrastructural projects across the country since inception.
He said, “Since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, various government Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) have taken steps to boost infrastructural development for the wellbeing of the citizenry.”
He explained that the commitment of the administration to infrastructural development was informed by the social economic role that it plays in enhancing connectivity, safe mobility and the provision of opportunities, all of which add value to the living standards of the people.
The Minister described the project as well envisioned and positioned, adding that it underscores the administration’s sincerity of purpose and responsiveness in tackling the challenges of its citizens thereby making life more meaningful.
He praised President Buhari for carrying every part of the country along in the distribution of social amenities.
The Minister commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and the Ecological Project Office under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Habiba Lawal for ensuring timely and speedy completion of the project and many others across the country in fulfillment of government promises to the people.
The Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku who was represented by the Commissioner Taraba State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development Mrs. Napisa Clara Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for executing the project which will bring relief to the benefitting community.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal said the project was executed by the Ecological Project Office to tackle the erosion and flood problem as well as enhance the road sustainability by constructing concrete drain networks within the camp.
She disclosed that the contractor, Messrs. Peters and Partners Inter-Global Limited worked assiduously and conscientiously to ensure that the project was completed on time and in accordance with the specifications contained in the contract document.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the purpose of the commissioning and handing over of the project to the benefitting community was to enable them exercise ownership and to ensure its care, protection as well as sustenance.
She therefore implored the residents of the NYSC orientation camp and its environs to jealously guard the facility.
Dr. Lawal applauded the exemplary and towering leadership qualities of the Minister of State for Works and Housing.
The Director General of the NYSC, the Chairman Taraba State NYSC Governing Board and the Taraba State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment were represented at the occasion.
Mrs. Blessing Lere -Adams, Director Press and Public Relations signed the statement for the Ministry.