There is no gainsaying the fact that Kogi economy is currently comatose, Kogites are hungry while unemployment rate keeps increasing. The condition of living has now become survival of the fittest. Resuscitating the economy does not require foolish approach, nor guess work, neither trial by error method. It demands responsibility on the part of the man at the helm of affairs of Kogi. That man must be a leader with exact, precise and accurate knowledge on what to do per time to take us to the path of greatness. That man is none other than Hon Ikani Benjamin Okolo (Mr. Development). He is an amiable man that has won the hearts of people across the length and breadth of the Kogi State over the years. One who believes in the future of Kogi and has devoted his life to that future, a philanthropist who will do everything to help our children thrive; a leader with real plans to break down barriers; blast through glass ceilings and widen the circle of opportunity for every Kogite.
We are convinced that the positive change Kogi desire at the top is inevitable come 2019. That change is so tasking that it will rob a good leader of his pleasure, so mindful that it will trim his appetite, so large that it will stop his personal ambitions. It is a dream to seek beyond applause, to seek beyond trophies, and seek beyond today. A dream to outgrow history; to dominate the moment and to design a brighter future. A dream to conquer tradition, to set a new standard, to create a legacy and to ensure sustainable development. It is obvious that history making does not require multitude, it takes only an individual. To form the human race, God just needed Adam. To discover America, God just needed Columbus. To simplify car making, God just needed Henry Ford. To publicize golf, God just needed Tiger Woods. To restore the lost glory of Kogi, God is bringing Hon Ikani Benjamin to occupy Lugard House in 2019.
Americans began giving their all, Ikani has given Dekina local Government, Dekina/Bassa federal constituency his all. Americans began laying their lives, Ikani has laid his life all because he understood patriotism. As a local Government chairman and House of representatives member, he laid down his life even for causes that are not alive.
He gave Dekina/Bassa dance-salute even though Dekina/Bassa lacks local Government-music. He gave himself to service even if some of the results will speak after his life time. He is a patriotic Kogite because he serves for the good of the people. He is a good citizen because he does not serve for rewards.
Ikani is the answer to 2019 Kogi Governorship because he is coming to build bridges, to solve puzzles and to conquer mountains. Some see work as a means to earn but to Ikani, work is a means to mend. Some said life is to be enjoyed but to Ikani, life is a skill to be employed. To some life is a game to be played, but to Ikani life is a mission to be accomplished. Ikani is a giant; yet he works as if he is just starting. He is a victor that is not intoxicated by victories. He is a hero; yet he works as if he is the least servant. By his exploits, Kogi will be greatly lifted.
The time for us all to join hands in saving the soul of Kogite from destruction is now. Ikani has been tested to be a man who has demonstrated unprecedented leadership character, proven courage in defence of democracy and capacity to manage difficult economic situation. In the final analysis, what matters most in governing a heterogenous state like Kogi is experience, which Ikani typifies. His experience is needed to cement the unity of Kogi, provide more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and continually attract direct local and foreign investments to the state. It is on this note that, I Peter Ugbedeojo Nelson under the auspices of Kogi progressives forum lend my voices to the clarion call on Ikani to vigorously pursue his humble ambition to serve as Governor of Kogi State by making open declaration and rolling out necessary electioneering memorabilia without being deterred or swayed by the antics of detractors.
– Comrade Peter Ugbedeojo Nelson
