By Otori Ozigi
Please, permit me to write you this piece through this medium.
In a week’s time, the epoch making history of the official inauguration of Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman, as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State, would be consummated.
Today, when I look at the socio-economic situation in the state, I cannot help but thank God almighty for His grace and guidance when we take into cognisance of where we were coming from since the creation of the state and where we are presently.
True, there is no gainsaying that Kogi State is now divided along ethnic and other primordial fault lines by unscrupulous politicians and other unpatriotic elements.
It is against this background that, the incoming Governor of the state, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman should think outside the box to dismantle all traces of disunity and disharmony among the various ethnic groups in the state.
He should hit the ground running by embracing inclusiveness of all ethnic groups in his political appointments and economic patronage.
On the security challenges of the state, the administration of Alhaji Ododo is expected to consolidate on the security strategies of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and work assiduously to maintain the tempo of his success story in fighting insecurity issues.
On the area of infrastructure and manpower development, the incoming government should make conscious efforts to complete all legacy projects that were initiated by the outgoing government of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza
And initiate his own projects that would impact the lives of the people.
In view of the above, there should be proper funding of the two new Universities in the state in inorder to enhance their academic standard and viability in the years ahead.
In the same vein, there should be proper funding of all legacy health institutions and hospitals that were constructed and commissioned by the outgoing government of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
On the welfare of civil servants , Pensioners and other segments of the society, the incoming government should engage the organized labor in the state on how best to deliver optimally on their demands. A happy workforce would naturally translate into higher productivity level in the civil service.
The hue and cries of teachers and local government workers on the issue of percentage salaries should be a thing of the past under the incoming government.
There should be a way to put this vexed issue to rest in the best interest of the state.
In furtherance of good governance, the incoming government should take practical steps to diversify the economy of the state.
We should be able to harness the opportunities that exists in the solid minerals and tourism sectors.
Unfortunately, successive past administrations had been paying lip service to the full utilization of these sectors of the economy.
If you fact check me, you will discover that the state is blessed with over 20 viable solid minerals waiting to be properly harnessed.
What exactly is the problem?
Why are we finding it difficult to reap the full benefits of these sectors?
Lest I forget,it is very imperative for the incoming government of Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman, to show more than a cursory interest in the efforts of the Federal government to revive the comatose gigantic Ajaokuta steel complex.
It is not palatable that the complex have remained uncompleted for over 4 decades now.
It is high time someone should break the jinx.
I wish the incoming Governor, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman a successful inauguration ceremony come next Saturday, 27th January,2024.
And an impactful tenure in office too.
