Engr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has revealed that his ministry has received express approval from the Presidency to begin construction/rehabilitation of federal roads in Kogi State.

He also discussed the methods being considered to expedite the work without delay.

Umahi made these remarks in Mabushi, Abuja, during a visit to his office by Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the State's incoming governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

During the visit, Kogi State Governor Bello thanked Senator Umahi for his assistance and unity, which helped the governor-elect win the November 11 governorship race.

Governor Bello expressed confidence that Ododo would continue to improve Kogi State's infrastructure upon his inauguration on January 27, 2024, boosting the state's pride and that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Umahi responded by congratulating Governor-elect Ododo and highlighting that his win was a reflection of the Kogi State people's desire for stability and continuity.

He praised Governor Bello's accomplishments in infrastructure, education, health care, and other important areas and expressed optimism that Ododo would build on them.

He urged the incoming governor to keep the faith that the party and the public have placed in him, making sure that his campaign pledges are kept.

Additionally, he praised Governor Bello for his steadfast support of the ruling party's expansion on both the state and federal levels, calling Governor Bello's dedication to the APC-led Federal Government's success "unprecedented."

He praised Governor Bello's efforts to provide the dividends of democracy to the people of his state, noting that his efforts would be appreciated even more after he left office.

The minister revealed that ongoing projects, such as the Ganaja Road rehabilitation, would be built with concrete, in accordance with the Federal Government's policy of ensuring long-lasting roads in Nigeria.

Earlier, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the incoming governor, reaffirmed his dedication to the confidence placed in him by the people in an assurance given to Senator Umahi. He thanked the minister for his support and promised to use the Ministry of Works to further solidify the current partnership between the state and the federal government.

The minister was assured by Ododo that his administration was prepared to implement the current administration's infrastructure master plan for Kogi.