The boat capsized in floodwaters, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Ibaji community after the Kogi boat mishap.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
FOLLOWING the Sept 29, tragic boat mishap that claimed over 36 lives in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, the Community under the aegis of Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the construction of a modern farm produce market in the area.
In a statement signed by Tony Edike, Board of Trustees’ Chairman and Jerry Nwuchola National Coordinator, on Saturday in Lokoja, the COIYN also implored the President to approve the rehabilitation of Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway.
According to the statement, the boat mishap occurred when a large wooden engine boat conveying traders from Ibaji to Ilushi market in Edo State capsized throwing over 80 passengers overboard resulting in heavy casualty.
The tragic incident, according to COIYN was due to lack of basic infrastructure including a modern market and motorable roads, in Ibaji forcing the people to travel through dangerous waters to neighbouring markets to sell their produce.
The group appealed to the President to construct a centrally located, accessible, and functional modern market in Ibaji, to address the Challenges.
The statement lamented that “Despite being a major producer of rice, yam, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce.”
“We hereby passionately appeal to the Federal Governments to construct a centrally located Large Market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy”, it added.
The group also urged the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, which would reduce travel time from Anambra to the FCT Abuja and provide an alternative route for the people.
It noted that construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the road would not only prevent future tragedies but stimulate commercial activities and employment in the region.
“Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly.
“We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,” the statement read.
President Tinubu had earlier commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State over the boat accident, describing the incident as “shocking and unfortunate.”
According to the statement, the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the road will be a testament to the President’s commitment to responsive leadership and compassion.
