Buhari to revisit abandoned Chouchi irrigation project

Yola

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday pledged to revisit the contract for the construction of abandoned N5 billion Chouchi irrigation project, re-awarded in 1999.
The irrigation project was one of the projects handed over by the defunct Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) to the Obasanjo administration in 1999 but has been abandoned by successive governments.
It could be recalled that Impresit Bakolori won the contract with the completion duration fixed for 24 dry-season months.
Speaking at the Lamido Adamawa palace, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu
Mustapha, the president said his administration would do all it could to re-invigorate and finish abandoned projects spread across the nation.
The president, who was responding to earlier appeals made by the paramount ruler, recalled how Chouchi irrigation was initiated during the late Abacha regime, noting: “Chouchi irrigation project was one of
the projects under the defunct Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF). It
reminds me of late Salihidjo of blessed memory.
“I listened very carefully to Lamido’s speech in which he talked on herdsmen, farmers’ clashes that I don’t want to blame anybody here.
“On the abandoned Chouchi irrigation project and other requests, the SGF will look into all the requests and I believe will not be left in the archives,’’ he said.
Earlier, the monarch, Dr. Aliyu Mustapha commended President Buhari for the success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram, corruption and economic stability.
“As traditional rulers or custodians of our peoples’ culture and values, I want to assure you of maximum support and contributions for overall development,’’ he assured.
The Lamido further requested for the upgrading of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yola to a teaching hospital as well as the conversion of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, to a conventional institution to accommodate medical college and other management faculties.

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