Open letter to the frontline Governorship Candidates in the Kogi State’s November 11, 2023 Elections to Build the Future Kogi for Sustainable Economic Growth and Prosperity.
Your Excellencies,
Warm greetings from Ajaokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (AJACCIMA), a body dedicated to fostering economic development ideals in Kogi State and Nigeria at large. As a representative of the steel sector and related business interests in the state, AJACCIMA:
Is the voice of the steel sector and business community in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.
Promote, orchestrate, and advocate steel sector development, and address positive policy initiatives in the interests of the Kogi and Nigerian business community in the economy
Encourages our communities to shop local and support all steel sector initiatives in Nigeria
Connects and Convenes the steel sector business community in Kogi state, Nigeria, and global space with the information, resources, and tools needed to enable sector and overall business development.
Engage in world-class Chamber development and operations in line with global best practices.
As a voice of the steel and business community in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large committed to promoting sustainable leadership, economic growth, and prosperity, we would like to offer our advisory to assist you in shaping your vision and policies for the upcoming Governorship Elections in Kogi State. Our aim is to support the citizenry in electing the best candidate who will implement the Kogi economic renaissance, leading to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Furthermore, the Chamber’s advisory is to encourage candidates who have a proven track record on issues that are important to businesses, industry, agriculture, and commerce. The candidates need to understand the importance of advancing policies, ordinances, and legislation that encourages economic growth, job creation, and a less intrusive government.
As a Chamber, we note that Kogi State stands at a crucial crossroads, presenting immense opportunities for progress and development. As aspiring leaders, you have a vital role in shaping the future trajectory of the state and addressing the diverse challenges faced by its
residents. In light of this, we provide the following recommendations to guide your campaign and governance agenda. The candidates must consider Economic Diversification as a key policy direction and:
Recognize the need to diversify Kogi State’s economy beyond its current dependence on oil-based federal budgetary allocation to gas, cottage and MSMEs, and natural resources.
Develop policies and initiatives to promote the growth of non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology, to drive sustainable economic development.
Encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in these sectors to create job opportunities and enhance the standard of living for Kogi State’s residents.
In the highly discussed Infrastructure sector, a medium, short to long-term development plan will suffice to:
Prioritize the development of critical infrastructure, including transportation networks that consider the state’s intermodal peculiarity, power supply, water resources, and healthcare facilities, to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Kogi State.
Ensure that infrastructure projects are implemented efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that benefits all regions of the state, fostering inclusivity and equitable development.
In the highly sought Education and Skills Development sector, the candidates must take cognizance of and consolidate the state’s role in the educational advancement of Nigeria by:
Retooling to emphasizing the importance of quality education and skills development as drivers of economic growth and social empowerment.
Focusing on improving the quality of primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Kogi State, ensuring that students have access to relevant and high-quality curricula.
Promoting cross-border vocational training programs and partnerships with industries to equip the youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Agriculture and Rural Development remain prime development sectors for the incoming administration. Policies must be emplaced to creatively:
Harness the agricultural potential of Kogi State by promoting modern farming techniques, supporting smallholder farmers, and facilitating access to markets and finance.
Encourage agro-processing and value addition to maximize returns from agricultural produce, creating employment opportunities and boosting rural development.
Invest in rural infrastructure, such as earth and asphalt roads, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and rural electrification, to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
Your Excellencies, Good Governance, and Accountability will endear any administration to the people. You must therefore:
Embrace transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in all aspects of leadership and public administration.
Establish mechanisms for citizen engagement, feedback, and involvement in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.
Strengthen anti-corruption measures and ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and judiciously for the benefit of all residents of Kogi State.
Environmental Sustainability will provide a state of equilibrium between governance, environment, and physical development across the state, especially with the ever available
threats of flooding, erosion bad lands from mining of solid minerals, etc. The candidate on the side of the business community will be one that will:
Integrate environmental sustainability into development plans and policies, preserving the state’s natural resources for future generations.
Encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, promote waste management systems, and implement sustainable land-use practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment.
Over the last seven years, the business environment in Kogi state has been variously described as business, commerce, and Social Welfare and Inclusion:
Prioritize the welfare of public servants and teachers especially
Prioritize the welfare of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, by implementing inclusive social protection programs and policies.
Address gender inequality and promote women’s empowerment, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes at all levels.
Excellencies, these recommendations are not exhaustive but provide a comprehensive framework for building a New Kogi that focuses on sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all residents. We encourage you to tailor your campaign and governance agenda to address the specific needs and aspirations of the people of Kogi State.
As you embark on this electoral journey, we urge you to conduct your campaigns with civility, respect for diversity, and adherence to the rule of law. Engage in issue-based debates, prioritize the interests of the people over personal or partisan gains, and embrace inclusivity in your outreach efforts.
We are available to provide further support and collaborate with your campaign team to develop detailed policy proposals, refine strategies, and enhance your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Kogi State.
Together, let us strive to build a prosperous and inclusive Kogi State, where sustainable economic growth and the well-being of the citizens take center stage.
On behalf of the Board and Executives of Ajaokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and
agriculture, I wish you a successful campaign and election; and thank you for your attention as
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to the Excellencies, the assurances of my highest
consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Arc. Bob Achanya FiCENT
President
Ajaokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.