Kogi state was created on 27th August 1991 with a work force deployed from kwara and Benue states. By today a large number of this class of people have retired staying in their homes or claves daily waiting to see when they will be called by God to their final home. Much as they may not have other busy schedules they need to enjoy the little God given time to rest in open places or established recreational centers when they have opportunity to share pleasantries with their mates or colleagues and generate a new future which their staying lonely at their homes can never offer. It is unfortunate to remark that we have no established relaxation centers in the state capital to cater for this class of people. There is an urgent need to create such centres in the state capital to create pleasure and joy to retired civil servants and other aged people from other sectors. We may need to copy other states that made provision for such facilities and improve living standards of life for her citizens. It is on this note l appeal to Kogi state government that is welfare inclined through the appropriate ministry established such centres in the state.
Such centres when established in three or four centres like felele, post office, kabawa, propaganda square etc will serve as recreational spots for people. This will be in addition to existing recreational centers in the state capital. In such places indoor games are played to keep people busy. Soft drinks and wines may be sold to further generate revenue to the government. A visit to old states or surrounding states like kwara, Ekiti, Benue,Niger states will give attestations to these provisions by their respective state governments. Kogi state government under the leadership of Governor Odoodo should as matter of concern should establish recreational centers in Strategic places like felele junction, paparanda square, Adankolo New Lay out axis, phase ll area etc This will generate more revenue to the state government and uplift the life of the people who are mostly retired civil servants. Life is enjoyed by the living and it further adds to social infrastructure in the young growing state. A visit to older states will attest to these development plans. For effective results the state government may mortgage such facilities to private individuals or business outfits who will be made to pay some amount to the state government account on a yearly basis or on an agreed time frame.
Samuel Shiaka
Lokoja