In order to create abundant wealth across the five local government areas of his constituency, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Yakubu Oseni has called for speedy reformation and modernization of Ebira traditional cloth weaving, farming system, entertainment and cultural festivals.
These were some of his submissions yesterday in the just concluded virtual consultative forum themed ”Innovative Strategies for Wealth Creation” convened by the Kog State Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA).
Senator Oseni, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mallam Yusuf Abdulmumin, reiterated that Kogi State, especially his constituency, has been placed in vantage position to contribute immensely to the development of the nation through availability of human and natural resources in commercial quantities.
While emphasizing that discussion concerning exploring opportunities for wealth creation in Kogi Central Senatorial District could not be said to be complete without mentioning the giant Ajaokuta steel complex, which he described as the hub of Nigeria’s industrial evolution, the lawmaker itemized entertainment industry, mechanised farming, traditional festivals and cloth weaving as other potent ways of creating wealth at the grassroots.
“The sustainable operation of the iron and steel industry will have impact on economic growth in other sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, defence, power, transportation, mining, oil and gas, education, manufacturing, communications among others.
“It is understandable that the 9th Senate which I am privileged to be part of, also wants a quick completion of Ajaokuta Steel Complex. The Senate had asked the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, expedite action towards the completion of the steel complex. It also appealed to the Ministry of Transport to complete Ajaokuta-Okaba rail line to facilitate the operations of Ajaokuta steel plant.
“These were resolutions adopted by my colleagues sequel to the deliberation of my motion that I titled, ‘The Ajaokuta Steel Company: A panacea to the diversification of the Nigerian economy’,” he revealed.
While disclosing that the Federal Government has received experts from Russia for technical audit of the steel plant, Senator Oseni however called on participants and stakeholders to join forces with him in modernising Ebira cloth weaving for optimum productivity and economic gains.
Subsequently, the lawmaker appreciated Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello whose administration he said has fought to a logical end, the hydra-headed security issues that had affected farming practice in the state.
According to him, “About 75% of the people in Kogi Central are into various forms of farming, either for subsistence or commercial purposes. The available arable land in Kogi Central especially around Osara axis in Adavi Local Government Area of the state has continued to remain fallow and underutilized for some reasons.
“First, much work still need to be done in the area of mechanised farming that could entice the teeming youths to embrace farming as alternative to the ever insufficient white collar jobs. Osara and Ekuku dams could be utilized in the area of irrigation to ensure steady and unbroken farming seasons all through the year.
“The potential of these dams if meticulously harnessed, will not only lead to availability of abundant food, but will deplete the increasing statistics of jobless but willing graduates”
The 3-day virtual consultative forum had in attendance the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Senators from the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State.
Also in attendance were the Acting Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alhaji Alwan Hassan; Manager of Abuja Bank of Industry, Ogo Ifeoma Akabogu; Executive Director of PLAN Foundation Farm, Mr Obatunde Obadapo; Managing Director of Nigeria Farmers Group and Cooperative Society, Comrade Retain and very many other eminent stakeholders.
