Former Kogi CAN Chairman Criticizes Federal Government Over 20-Year Delay in Completing Lokoja‑Abuja Highway

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Bishop John Ibenu, former Kogi State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of the Chapel of Freedom in Lokoja, expressed frustration that successive administrations have failed to finish the Lokoja‑Abuja Highway over the past two decades.

He urged the federal government to finalize the highway, encouraging authorities to take the necessary steps so that contractors can fulfill their obligations.

He noted that the contract was awarded in 2006 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, adding that the unfinished project continues to create hazards for motorists traveling the route.

Addressing the ongoing insurgency, the former medical practitioner‑turned‑clergy lamented the persistent killings of Nigerian military personnel by bandits, calling on the federal government to urgently seek lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

He urged the federal government to secure farms to achieve food security, noting that bandits have seized agricultural land and displaced legitimate farmers from interior regions.

He attributed the rising food prices largely to this situation, warning authorities and perpetrators that they will ultimately be held accountable for their actions before God.

Ibenu made these remarks during a press briefing on the 34th anniversary of the Chapel of Freedom, whose theme was ‘Born to Reign, The supernatural life’, held at the chapel’s headquarters in Lokoja yesterday.

He emphasized that decisive measures are required to prevent further killings of military and other security personnel, asserting that the security architecture must be reviewed to save lives.

The bishop also said that, despite Nigeria’s current hardships, the situation is temporary and that the nation will become great again, insisting on the need for a visionary leader to guide it forward.

Regarding the Chapel of Freedom 2026 conference, themed ‘Born to Reign, The Supernatural Life’, the clergyman said it would reach all segments of society and would be a life‑changing event featuring inspirational discourse.

He added that over the past thirty years, the chapel has supported community development, including the establishment of nurseries, primary and secondary schools.

Ibenu noted that the chapel regularly distributes food items, and that community members also benefit from water supplied on the premises.