A prominent indigene of Imane District in Kogi State, Chief Dr. Ibrahim Peter Alih, has appealed to the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to urgently reconstruct the dilapidated Ankpa-Imane road in Olamaboro Local Government.
Alih made the appeal when Governor Ododo recently paid him a condolence visit at his Abuja home following the passing of his young son, Ufedo-Ojo Elias, using the opportunity to draw the governor’s attention to the deplorable condition of the road and the hardship it has continued to cause residents.
In a video circulating on social media, Alih was seen sitting alongside the governor while passionately presenting the plight of the people of Imane, particularly the deteriorating condition of the major access road linking the community to Ankpa.
The philanthropist stressed that his appeal was not for any personal favor, but a request on behalf of the people of Imane, who, according to him, have endured years of hardship as a result of the poor state of the road.
“The only thing I want from you is to construct the Imane road,” Alih told the governor, describing the reconstruction of the road as one of the greatest gifts and honors the governor could give to him and the people of the community at this trying time.
He explained that the deplorable state of the road had made transportation difficult, with motorists and motorcycle riders frequently exposed to vehicle damage and other challenges while using the route.
Alih also expressed concern over the impact of the bad road on emergency situations, noting that residents who require urgent medical attention or other essential services in Ankpa often face difficulties accessing the town due to the condition of the road.
He appealed to the governor to give the road urgent consideration, saying its reconstruction would not only ease the movement of people but also stimulate economic activities and improve the general wellbeing of residents.
Responding to the appeal, Governor Ododo assured Alih that he would look into the matter and take appropriate action, raising hopes among residents that the long-standing road challenge could soon receive government attention.
The appeal is not the first time Chief Ibrahim Alih has advocated for development in Imane District. He has reportedly played a significant role in facilitating several community projects and interventions over the years.
Among the projects and initiatives associated with his community advocacy are the Imane Area Court, Divisional Police Station, employment opportunities, scholarships for indigent students, and other humanitarian interventions.
The reconstruction of the Ankpa-Imane road, if undertaken, is expected to reduce travel time, lower the cost of transportation, minimize damage to vehicles and motorcycles, and improve access to healthcare and other essential services for residents.
For the people of Imane District, Alih’s appeal has renewed attention on one of the community’s longstanding infrastructure challenges, while Governor Ododo’s response has generated fresh expectations that the road may finally receive the intervention it urgently requires.
