The flag bearer of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, Mr. Olayinka Braimoh has promised that if elected, he will create Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the present 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
Speaking at a town hall meeting held at the Motel 5 Hotel in Felele, Lokoja Local Government Area, as part of his on-going consultation with stakeholders across the state, Braimoh specifically promised to create LCDA for the people of Oworo district in view of the agricultural and solid mineral potentials of the area.
He said creating development areas out of the local government councils will bring government closer to the rural dwellers so that human and natural resources lurking in the rich, arable soil of the land would be adequately tapped.
The candidate said creation and distribution of wealth will be one of the cardinal goals of the Action Alliance government if elected and urged the people to give him the support necessary to win the November election, so as to accelerate the required development of the people at the grassroots.
Braimoh, also promised to acquire and prepare over 200, 000 hectares of land that will be allocated to 50 farmers across the state for the purpose of engaging in modern and mechanized agricultural activities.
“Every available space in the state will be transformed into farm for mass production of food both for local consumption and export. Every square metre of the state will be turned to a good farm”, the AA candidate said.
While expressing disappointment over the state of primary and secondary schools across the state, the AA flag bearer promised to rebuild the schools, equip them and provide free education at those levels.
He also lamented that 48 percent of women in the state have no access to ante-natal treatment due largely to poverty and non-availability of the facilities, pointing out that Kogi is leading in the area of poor health facilities in local areas.
He added that his government will provide each of the 239 wards in the state with well equipped primary health care centres and the people will have universal health insurance policies whose premium will be partly paid by the state government.
Earlier in their various submissions during the town hall session, leaders, stakeholders, representatives of women and youth’s groups from the three Oworo zones expressed gratitude to the governorship candidate for considering Oworo district fit to host such an important consultative meeting.
The groups complained bitterly of abundant human and natural resources begging to be tapped in their territory, while agricultural activities have slowed down due to lack of support by successive administrations.
According to the spokespersons of the Oworo people, Lokoja LGA is very large and it has not been easy for the people to experience meaningful development as done in certain areas.
The women group present complained about inadequate schools and teachers for their wards, health facilities, and lack of social amenities, among others.