It is no longer news that our great and darling state is ranked amongst the least in the country in terms of GDP, ranked 23rd with a GDP of about 4,642,794,262 (extract from google as at 2015).
Ironically this is a state blessed with nature best mineral resources – iron ore, steel, precious stones, limestones, gold and vast agriculture potentials in cassava, cashew etc.
It will surprise you to know that Kogi state alone has a total of 29 mineral resources (how blessed can we be?). The state has enough coal deposit to supply all of Nigeria electricity for 400years uninterrupted, yet we are so dilapidated and almost in abject poverty as a state.
Iit is also pertinent to note that Kogi state has more coal and iron deposit that dwarf that of Germany by nearly 3 times. Where is Germany today? Amongst G-5 nations. Ironically, Kogi state is amongst the least states in Nigeria.
Now that has prompted me to ask these questions times without number, could we be facing a problem of human resources or we lack intellectual leaders, are will solely dependent on the federal government to generate funds?
My brothers and sisters, home and abroad it is time to cast away politics of sentiments, tribalism, party sentiments, religious differences and come together for the good of our state and the future children.
We need a leader who is charismatic, vast in knowledge, someone with foresight to be able to take us to the promise land. It is shame that our dear state is being rocked with ignorance, like a lion raised amongst goats, it will never know what it possess-king of the jungle. I urge you all to face reality and ignore self interest. Let’s work together for the good of our great state.
– David Godwin Itopa (socio-economist, pubic analyst)
