President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday , announced that the long-delayed Ajaokuta Steel Complex was nearing completion and would become a free trade zone with the potential to employ up to 500,000 Nigerians.
This declaration was made during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, in preparation for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented his principal at the event, conveyed the message to a large APC supporters in Lokoja.
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He emphasised the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to the completion of vital infrastructure projects, including the River Niger, Kabba-Lokoja, and Abuja-Lokoja roads.
Shettima praised President Tinubu as a leader with innovative ideas, determined to position Nigeria favorably on the global stage.
He highlighted the importance of restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy as key aspects of Tinubu’s vision for the nation.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima said that, “Given Mr. President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi, in particular, being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center.
“We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation.”
Shettima also shared plans to realise the Itakpe crop processing project and promised jobs and affordable education under the current administration.
Underscoring the unwavering commitment to citizens’ welfare, Vice President Shettima called upon the people of Kogi to turn out in large numbers on November 11 and vote for the APC candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to build upon the achievements of the APC government in the state.
He assured that Kogi’s natural resources would be harnessed for the state’s and the nation’s development.
Furthermore, President Tinubu has approved the rehabilitation of the Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for launching the governorship campaign in the state.
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He highlighted the achievements of his administration, particularly in security, education, and health, and called for unity to move Kogi State forward. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, emphasised the importance of continuity and good governance under Governor Yahaya Bello’s leadership.
He asserted that Kogi should not deviate from the party in power at the federal level.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, encouraged Kogi citizens to ensure their voter cards were in order and to vote for the APC candidate in the November 11 governorship election.
Ahmed Ododo, the APC governorship candidate for Kogi State, pledged to carry the people along if elected. He expressed his commitment to the development agenda of the state, promising improvements in security, education, agriculture, health, and women’s empowerment.
Prominent figures attending the campaign rally included Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State who is Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and members of the National Working Committee of the APC, among others.