Your Excellency,
It has been a while since we last met; the last time was in October when I visited Lokoja for a wedding reception. You graciously served as the Father of the Day in honour of my late father-in-law, Dr. Farouk Abdulazeez. On that day, you showed your famed patience and kindness as you calmly waited for the couple, who were hours late. Your humility did not surprise me; it only deepened my admiration for you. Thank you for being who you are.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, on being the Governor of Kogi at this pivotal time. I have always maintained that Kogi State has the potential to be the wealthiest in Nigeria, and I back this assertion with data and facts. While people often say agriculture is our best option, I believe our greatest asset in Kogi is our location. All the factors of production and economic opportunities are at our fingertips. We are accessible by land, water, and rail, and I argue that focusing on a commercial airport should not be our priority at present; however, if it does materialize, it can be an added benefit. Kogi is uniquely surrounded by 10 other states, including the Federal Capital Territory. As of the last survey, 87% of transnational vehicular traffic passes through the state daily. Some of our roads are busier than Oshodi in Lagos. Additionally, we have a port in Jamata that could significantly reduce the transit time for vehicles traveling to Onne or Lagos for their goods intended for overseas shipment. Ajaokuta is home to power plants capable of energizing any venture. Over 70% of our population consists of educated youth. In Lokoja, a technical college built by Koreans can produce 50,000 technicians annually. If we seize this opportunity, we could become the most important economy in Nigeria.
However, Your Excellency, you need deep thinkers around you. One unique opportunity you must not miss is the construction of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) & its partners. While you mentioned in your speech that these plants will create jobs and inject millions of dollars into the economy, I believe this presents a significant chance to address many challenges we face in the state. For years, tree felling has become a primary source of income for many people in my area of Okun Land, leading to severe deforestation that has turned my backyard into arid land. Selling charcoal has become the mainstay for many communities, & we may live to regret this, as trees are a finite resource.
I would like to humbly suggest the following: Before the plants become operational, invite companies that manufacture cooking gas cylinders to establish their factories nearby. Use your influence to provide them land at low prices. Encourage the Geregu Plant to supply some of the excess power they generate to these factories. Become the number one advocate in the fight against deforestation by encouraging our people to use LNG for cooking instead. Expand this campaign to the states surrounding Kogi and aim to see these factories produce and sell one million cylinders within their first two years of operation.
Your Excellency, this is entirely feasible. The technical school in Lokoja can train all the welders and factory workers needed. The rail line running through Ajaokuta terminates at the Warri Port, allowing for export opportunities for their cylinders. Once this initiative kicks off, manufacturers of industrial kitchen equipment and utensils will likely be drawn to our state.
I have your number and could have reached out through other means, but I am sharing these thoughts here because I want this kind of thinking to be public. You are the leader God has chosen for us, and I want you to help Kogi achieve the greatness it is destined for. When the time comes to discuss other resources and opportunities, I will not hesitate to reach out.
Your former colleague,
Gbenga ‘Gold’ Olorunpomi
