By joshua 
Quenching Thirst: Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk’s Mission to Hydrate Kogi
In the heart of Kogi State, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk is on a mission to quench the thirst of residents.
As the Commissioner for Water Resources, he is tackling the daunting challenge of providing portable water to Lokoja and beyond. For those who know him, it’s no surprise that he’s making headway.
A man of action, Engr. Farouk has already breathed new life into the abandoned Lokoja water facility, built in the 50s. His determination has brought water to old Lokoja township, and he is not stopping there.
The Ministry of Water Resources has recently invited bids from consultants to resuscitate amongst others, the Greater Lokoja Water Works, aiming to put an end to water scarcity in the State.
Engr. Farouk is candid about the challenges, but his optimism is infectious. He is working round the clock, implementing stop-gap measures to meet the people’s needs and he is quick to credit Gov. Ododo for prioritizing the water sector.
But what’s the secret to his progress. Perhaps it is his down-to-earth nature, intellectual curiosity, or ability to get things done. Whatever it is, Kogi residents are reaping the benefits.
As a seasoned professional, Engr. Farouk has left his mark in every role he has served. Now, he is focused on hydrating Kogi, one project at a time.
Engr. Farouk’s, is leading the charge to revamp the state’s water infrastructure.
His initiative reviving the Old Lokoja Water Works, built in the 50s, to supply water to Lokoja residents has yielded result. His Plans to overhaul the Greater Lokoja Water Works, with an estimated cost of ₦100 billion is underway, depending on what initiative is needed to resuscitate the Greater Lokoja Water Works.
This maybe through his Implementing of a three-pronged approach: short-term emergency repairs, medium-term expansion, and long-term overhaul of the water system
He is also exploring funding options, including Public Private Partnership (PPP) and state government financing.
Rehabilitating old water works in other parts of the state
Engr. Farouk is a Civil Engineer with a stint in public service, retiring after 35 years. He holds HND Building Technology, HND Civil Engineering, PGD Civil Engineering, and M.Eng Civil Engineering.
Trained in Waste Management & City Governance (Malaysia, 2012) and other short courses, he is Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Lokoja Branch, and past Vice-Chairman and Financial Secretary.
A Member, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), COREN (registered Civil Engineer), Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE)
Engr. Farouk is committed to providing safe, consistent water for every household in Kogi, and his efforts are showing promise. All that is required of the citizenry is patience and understanding, attribute they have thus far displayed, with the Commissioner always appreciative of the development. In conclusion, Engr. Farouk has excelled on one hand, however verifiable evidence points to the fact that the greater challenge is about and will soon be overcome.