By Joseph Edegbo
A group of Nigerian professionals wants the Federal Government to harness the development potentials of rivers Niger and Benue, just as it draws the attention of the United Nations to Lokoja, the UN- Habit Heritage – City.
The professionals operating under “YG- Consult” made the call in a good will message presented by the Coordinator, Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku to mark the 2018 World Architecture Day in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He said the professionals were convinced that developing suitable projects along the rivers, could lead to the transformation and modernisation of the cities, towns and villages along them.
Such projects, Arc Aduku explained, could also be attractive to national and international investors, foreign experts, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and International Development Finance Institutions.
Major projects identified for development by the group include, Agriculture, especially irrigation and horticulture, Modern and self-sustaining New Towns and Neighbourhoods Aquaculture, Water transportation and Smart Land Transportation Systems as well as Tourism and International Water Sports.
These areas, according to the professionals, are capable of providing serene environment, promote the establishment of global Research and Development Centres such as Science and Nanotechnology Research Park; Manufacturing Park for Renewable Energy Systems and Components.
Others are Research Centre for Microchips production from Cellulose materials; Eco Technology Research Laboratory with specialisation in Renewable Energy; Institute of Technology as knowledge cluster where academic research can be transformed into commercial ventures, all under one roof- building a knowledge economy.
Technology Incubation Centre; Creative Industries Start-up Complex; Film Village;
Radio/TV Stations; Ultra-modern Entertainment Centre; and  Multimedia Studios.
“Each of the above projects is capable of increasing the knowledge and skill base of Nigerians, enhancing economic development and developing modern and ICT based job creation in Nigeria. The projects we envisage will be of such magnitude and diversity that they will be able to attract foreign capital and expertise, especially Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Above all, we are convinced that these projects will complement the current effort of the administration to develop effective and sustainable infrastructure facilities and services across the whole country.
“We are willing and prepared to put our expertise and experience at the disposal of the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of this laudable project. Specifically, we are offering to carry out a detailed survey of the two rivers to identify types, scope and locations of the proposed transformative projects; to carry out effective sensitisation of the stakeholders at all tiers of government; market the projects to potential local and international investors; supervise the implementation of the projects; and carry out an Impact Assessment Studies of completed projects to ensure that the original objectives are met and other unintended consequences are properly addressed.
“We have already conducted preliminary assessment on the technical feasibility and financial/economic viability and sustainability of the identified projects. It will be our privilege to make a presentation to the Council.
“In conclusion, we wish to reiterate the following:
i. The huge but largely untapped potentials of Rivers Niger and Benue;
ii. The need to harness the benefits of the rivers so as to contribute to the modernization and economic development of the states, towns and cities along them in particular and Nigeria in general; and
iii. To offer Nigerian professionals opportunity to support the current effort of the Federal Government to ensure the sustainable productivity and resilience of all parts of the country.
On the UN –Habitat- Â Heritage- City, the professionals see the need to exploiting the stupendous opportunity for growth and development of Lokoja city, Kogi State, Nigeria and Africa.
YG- Consult is a group of professionals from a diverse background with national and international experience whose formation was motivated by the policy pronouncements of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu  Buhari as well as  the National Economic Council to diversify Nigerian economy away from the dominance of crude oil.
Members of the group are Arc. (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku (Coordinator), Sen. Abubakar H. Girei, Engr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, Engr. Kashim A. Ali, Arc. Dr. Philip , Z. Iyortyer, Mal. Murtala Aliyu, Prof. Ignatius A. Ayua, SAN, Engr. Dr. Aliyu Abubakar, Arc. Daniel A. Agamah, Prof. Mustapha Zubairu ,Dr. Omede Idris, Admiral Abdullahi Shettima, Professor Emmanuel S. Dandaura and Engr Joseph Makoju
