*Flags off APC Guber Campaign in Kogi
By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja.
Vice President Kashin Shettima today in Lokoja assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is already collaborating with foreign companies to resuscitation the moribund Ajaokuta State Company.
The Vice President was in Lokoja for the official flag- off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship campaign, saying that the choice of a Kogite, Shuaibu Audu as Steel Minister underscores the intention of the Federal Government to revamp the steel sector.
Vice President Shettima maintained that, the Federal Government is putting measures in place to dredge the River Niger in a bid to attract meaningful development to Kogi State and for the betterment of Nigerians in general.
He therefore, called on the people of the state to vote APC for them not to be left behind in the central scheme of things.
His words, “for Kogi State to build on the legacy and for the purpose of continuity and consolidation, it becomes imperative for the people of the state to align with the government at the centre by voting for the candidate of APC in the forthcoming November 11, 2023 governorship election.
“For the people of Kogi State to benefit immensely from the eight-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the natural resources abound in the state, it is essentially for them to vote for a younger and more patriotic person who knows much about the state”. he said.
He said that the President is a man of courage and conviction.
“He is a man pregnant with ideas on how to reposition the nation, and Kogi State which is one of the frontier states in the north can not afford to have a state government that does not belong to the centre..
“The President has approved funds for the construction of Ganaja Road and be rest assured that Abuja – Lokoja – Okene and Kabba – Ilorin is also going to receive federal government attention to ease movement of the people”. He assured.
Stressing on the importance of Ajaokuta Steel Company, he said that most importantly the steel company is the largest steel industry in Nigeria, stressing that a Kogi son was appointed Minister of Steel.
“Fundamentally he was given the appointment to promote, project and preserve the interest of the people of Kogi state to see to the realization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company which of course is 98 per cent completed.” He said.
He noted that the steel company when operational, would assist the present administration to fulfil its eight point agenda with respect to job creation, huge investment and revenue generation.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the milestone of support that enables him to perform and reposition the state to the present status.
“You all knew where we all took the state from and where it is today in terms of healthcare delivery, education, infrastructure development and others too numerous to mention. You gave us support and opportunity to perform this much”.
“What we are doing today is laying the foundation and it takes a man who has learnt through the road to build on the foundation. That is why we are calling you on you all.
“I am confident that you will overwhelmingly vote Usman Ododo and on that day, we will be jubilating for the victory.
“We have emulated one of our founding fathers, Chief Obafemi Awolowo by declaring free education in the state.
“Today, from primary school to senior secondary school, our education is free of charge.
“In Kogi State, there is no ethnic agenda, the only thing we have is development agenda and that is what we are working on.
While presenting the party’s flag to the gubernatorial candidate of the party, APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje said that the governor has been able to transform Kogi State in many ways including the ability to present a successful candidate that will succeed him.
His words, “He has changed the landscape of Kogi state. You are aware that he has provided long lasting infrastructural facilities to the state, most of which are completed and some are still ongoing.
“God has blessed you with many nationalities and it’s left for you to consolidate and reunite to have an achievable Kogi Development Agenda through Unity in Diversity.
“We cannot afford to have a stranger at the Government House. We have APC at both the national and state level and we must have a synergy to consolidate the achievements of the Governor Yahaya Bello.” Ganduje said.
He assured decampees that joined the party from major opposition parties of inclusiveness and expressed confidence that
The party candidate, Usman Ododo said he will consolidate on the achievements of Governor Bello, “We are coming to consolidate and improve on the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello and I have no reason not to deliver. I am not going to disappoint myself, Gov. Yahaya Bello, the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large.”
He thanked Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for believing in the youth, and bringing good governance to the people, adding that, it is time for electorate to decide their fate by voting a competent, credible leader who will deliver on their campaign promises.
Ododo who stated that, Kogi State belongs to APC, appealed to electorate to come out enmasse on election day and vote for him and his deputy, Joel Oyibo for the needed development.
“Kogi should not be allowed to be govern by selfish individuals, who are coming out to divide the state, and hiding under ethnic agenda.” He added.
According to him, his campaign mantra will be on sustainability for human capital development, youth empowerment and improvement in basic infrastructure across Kogi State.
“I accepted the mandate to be the Governor of Kogi State for the greatness and development of our dear state.” He declared.
