FG commissions Gully Erosion works in Adiabo Okutikang Beach, Cross River State

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Government has recently commissioned and handed over completed gully Erosion Control Works of Adiabo Okutikang Beach in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Speaking at the occasion, President Muhamadu Buhari, who represented by the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni expressed his joy over the massive project the FG has completed for the benefit of Adiabo community and its environs which he said would no doubt bring relief to the community which has suffered a long period of ecological challenges.
According to Buhari the successful completion of the project if well utilised would turn Adiabo Okutikang community into a tourist centre thereby promoting socio-economic activities of the area.
He also said the present administration’s determinate to continue with the implementation of all genuine Government policies, agreements and contracts entered into at both National and International levels by the previous administrations.
The president maintained that this project would reduce danger to lives and properties associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced in the recent past.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Soil Erosion and Flood Control, Engr. Felix Okeke disclosed that the project which was initiated by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-lta, was meant to arrest the continuous erosion and flood menace in the community and to avoid further environmental degradation.
While praising the consultant and the contractor for the timely completion of the project which was made possible through their hard work and the efforts of the Ecological Fund Office staff, she also informed the audience that the purpose of the commissioning and handover of the project to the benefitting community was to ensure ownership and sustainability of the Project.
This was contained in a statement released by Ecological Fund Office OSGF signed by Iheoma-Hart Queenet (Mrs) SIO said the Paramount ruler of Calabar South, Prof. Ham Hogan who spoke on behalf of the community thanked the Federal Government and asked for more of such projects within their area. He also pledged the community’s unalloyed support to Mr. President’s second term in office
Meanwhile, both the state and local government representatives at the event were full of joy. As they thanked the Federal Government, they promised to cherish the project and to make maximal use of it to better the economic wellbeing of their people.