The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, following the official flag-off of the Phase II rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State.
The project, flagged off on Thursday at Dungung Community in Kanke Local Government Area, was performed on behalf of President Tinubu by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in the presence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
Speaking during the ceremony on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Gagdi expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Yilwatda and the Minister of Works toward expanding federal infrastructure in Plateau State.
He described the commencement of the road project as another indication that the Federal Government is responding to the developmental needs of the people and ensuring that previously neglected infrastructure receives attention.
Gagdi also congratulated Prof. Yilwatda on his leadership of the APC, stating that Plateau State has continued to benefit from increased federal presence and development initiatives.
The lawmaker thanked the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency for their continued confidence in his representation, assuring them that he would remain committed to attracting projects and providing effective representation at the National Assembly.
“I thank all of you for sending me to the National Assembly,” he said. “You have not regretted it the first time, you will not regret it the second time, and you will not regret it the third time.”
Gagdi noted that the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road would significantly improve transportation, promote commerce, ease the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen socio-economic activities across communities within the constituency and neighbouring areas.
Earlier, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the road as a gateway to greater economic opportunities and thanked President Tinubu for approving the project. He also appealed for the reconstruction of another strategic federal road linking several local government areas in Plateau State to Taraba State.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the remaining 40-kilometre stretch of the road would be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, adding that the project would also feature solar-powered street lights, surveillance cameras, tree planting and other modern infrastructure designed to improve safety and durability.
Representing President Tinubu, Prof. Yilwatda described the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, facilitate trade and agriculture, enhance security and support regional economic integration. He assured residents that the Federal Government remained committed to delivering critical infrastructure across Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Also speaking, former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, praised the Federal Government’s investment in road infrastructure and expressed confidence that the project would accelerate development across the state.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of a traditional title on Senator Umahi by the Paramount Ruler of the Ngas Nation, His Royal Majesty Nde Jika Golit Ngolong Ngas, in recognition of the minister’s contributions to infrastructure development.
The contractor, Decency Associates Limited, assured the Federal Government and host communities of its readiness to deliver the project in accordance with approved engineering standards and within the stipulated timeframe.
The Phase II rehabilitation covers the remaining 40 kilometres of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, including a spur to Kanke Local Government Headquarters, and is expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and further advance the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope infrastructure programme.
