Aware of the prevailing security challenges in the country and its direct consequences on the socio-economic development of the country and its federating units, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has assured investors and the entire business community in the state of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state was crime-free and safe.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Ayoade Folashade Arike, gave the assurance in Government House, Lokoja, recently when a business community in the state under the aegis of, Kogi Small Businesses, Artisans, Traders and Transporters Organisations (KOSBATTO) presented an award to him, as part of their contributions to the activities marking his 100 days in office.
While commending the group for identifying with his administration, the Governor urged all law abiding citizens of the state to go about their legitimate businesses, saying that the issues of security and safety of lives, investments and properties of the people are top on his administration’s priority.
He assured them of the willingness of the state government to partner with them in fast-tracking the socio-economic development of the state, by building a culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance, urging the group to help in leading the advocacy on the need to keep the state clean by ensuring that their business premises are kept clean and tidy at all times.
On his plan for the development of a strong agricultural base in the state, the Governor, revealed that the state government has engaged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to increase food production and enhance the productivity of the farmers.
Speaking on the topic: ‘The hope, The gains, The aspirations’, chairman of the group, Chief Joseph Adiza Avazi, said the organization had followed with keen interest the re-assuring steps of the present administration in the last 100 days, saying that they were not only impressed but convinced that for the first time, the state has got a Governor that is focused and determined to move the state in a ‘new direction’.
While appealing for support and understanding of the people of the state for the administration, Chief Avazi, urged the governor to engage the organisation in the implementation of his ‘new direction’, development blueprint, noting that there are several ways members of the group could contribute to the success of his administration.
As part of measures to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship and self-employment, leader of the group, appealed to government to provide working tools for the artisans, create access for credit facilities and patronise local manufacturers.
The Governor was presented with a ‘Golden Key Award,’ while the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Edward Onoja, bagged the ‘Confluence Order of Merit Award’.
Credit: Graphic
