Ahead of October 19 council elections in Kogi state, the Action Alliance (AA) has unveiled a 4-point agenda for Ijumu local government.
The 5-point agenda was unveiled at the launch of Musa/Funke mandate’s strategic campaign over the weekend.
In his address, the chairmanship candidate of the party, Hon. Musa Olumayowa Yakubu (MOY) said with Action Alliance, the Ijumu electorate can rejuvenate and reclaim the lost glory of the area.
Reflecting on the Biblical declaration of Moses, ‘Let My People Go’, MOY said he has assessed the current challenging economic landscape in Ijumu thoroughly and has decided to adopt the Action Alliance’s slogan, ‘Let the Masses Live’ as the cornerstone of his agenda.
He also gave details of his 4-point agenda for Ijumu LGA.
“I am ready to embark on the arduous and demanding journey ahead, which will undoubtedly lead us to a brighter future. Together, we can rejuvenate and reclaim the lost glory of Ijumu.
“My administration will prioritize four essential areas: Security, Agriculture, Education, and Health (ASEH Agenda).
“On Agriculture, I agree with Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Needs that food is paramount in the hierarchy. This is reflected in our local saying, ‘Oúnjé báti kó’lorò, isètisé’, meaning, once there’s food, poverty has been conquered. Therefore, my administration will place a strong emphasis on achieving food sufficiency. We will launch a programme known as the Ijumu Food Sufficiency Scheme (JMU FSS).
“The Ijumu Food Sufficiency Scheme (JMU FSS) initiative aims to ensure a surplus of food in Ijumu LGA through awareness campaigns on modern agricultural practices via seminars, expos, and various forums targeting the youth and capable individuals throughout the local government area. Under this scheme, we shall carry out extensive registration of interested farmers, organize regular training and supply of agricultural inputs to all registered farmers. We will also organize farmers into clusters based on their products for enhanced coordination. We shall ensure up to 75% sales guarantee for all registered farmers participating in JMU FSS.
“Also, we shall construct silos/warehouses in Gbede, Ijumu Arin and Ijumu Oke respectively, and establish a Farmers Market at Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu LGA,” he explained.
Speaking on his agenda for improved security of lives and property, Hon Musa said a society that lacks sufficient security will inevitably struggle to achieve peaceful coexistence, and without peace, no productive or progressive activities can take place.
“My administration will establish a security organization named Kìnì’ún Guard, which will be robustly equipped to ensure the safety of Ijumu LGA.
“KÌNÌ’ÚN GUARD – Our leaders and local hunters have resided in our communities for many years. They possess an intimate understanding of the security dynamics within our environment, making it nearly impossible for any outsider to launch a successful attack against us without compromise.
“To maximize the effectiveness of Kìnì’ún Guards, we will ensure attractive salaries, comprehensive health insurance coverage, regular training programmes, strong collaboration with national security agencies, promotion of community engagement to enhance vigilance and address local security issues,” he assured.
On education, the chairmanship candidate said Ijumu Local Government Area has been ahead in educational achievements within Okun, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“It is imperative to reignite the potential within us by addressing the educational shortcomings in our region. To this end, we will launch a programme called the Opón Ìmò Scholarship, aimed at supporting underprivileged students in the local government areas.
“OPÓN IMÒ SCHOLARSHIP – My administration will collaborate with student union organizations and Parent-Teacher Associations throughout the Ijumu kingdom to identify underprivileged students for scholarship opportunities.
“We will engage with both state and federal governments to secure student grants, loans, and various scholarship options for study locally or abroad. Additionally, we will ensure the availability of essential books in public school libraries.
“We will enhance educational infrastructure by renovating schools and providing necessary learning resources. Furthermore, we will establish vocational training centers designed to equip our youth with vital skills for employment and entrepreneurship,” MOY promised.
Speaking on his health agenda, MOY noted that the adage “Health is wealth” underscores the critical importance of providing free and accessible healthcare services to infants and the elderly in Ijumu LGA. he promised to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that essential medical support reaches the communities promptly.
He added that a DÓKÍTÀ CARD initiative will be established to issue free healthcare cards for minors and the elderly.
“We will work in partnership with Ijumu Development Union to identify those in urgent need of medical care. We also promise provision of free medical insurance for identified minors and the elderly through collaboration with development groups across the 15 Wards in Ijumu.
“There will be regular education on nutrition and exercise, supply of clean water and improved sanitation facilities in our communities, enhancement of local healthcare facilities to guarantee access to quality medical services for all citizens and implementation of sustainable waste management practices.
“We will promote health awareness, focusing on disease prevention and nutritional education as well as establishing partnerships with non-governmental organizations and health agencies to support medical outreach efforts in our communities.
“In the same vein, our focus will be on fostering inclusivity and encouraging community engagement. We intend to create platforms for regular interaction with residents, ensuring that your insights play a crucial role in our decision-making processes. Through town hall meetings, community dialogues, and digital channels, every individual will have the opportunity to contribute their thoughts, express their concerns, and actively participate in local governance.
“Effective leadership is built on trust, and we are committed to ensuring the highest levels of transparency and accountability by developing an open budgeting system that offers citizens a clear view of resource distribution.
“We will also enact a whistleblower protection policy to empower individuals to report corruption or mismanagement without fear of negative consequences.
“In conclusion, we have the shared capability to elevate Ijumu LGA into a standard of progress and development. I urge each resident to join me on this journey toward creating a more inclusive, flourishing, and sustainable Ijumu. With your support, I am confident that we can overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
