My quest for a better and prosperous Kogi State is borne out of my shared desire to rescue the state and reduce the poverty in our land.
Walk with me as I take you down memory lane in our political journey as a people united as one Kogi State.
I was born few years after the return of democracy in Nigeria and the declaration of the creation of Kogi State in 1991. In these past years we had a clear leadership focus and show of statesmanship under the past Governors of Kogi State.
Today, I will gladly and vividly talk about one of them, who my dad was opportune to walk and work side by side with.
During the six years Prince Abubakar Audu was Governor, that’s from January 1992 until November 1993 and the second tenure from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003, numerous primary and secondary schools were built in Kogi State e.g The Lokoja Science Secondary, Ogbonicha Girls Secondary School and numerous primary schools were built by Prince Abubakar Audu. Lest I forget, my elder sister Monica Ajuma Idakwo, who works in Kogi State University as a lecturer, was a beneficiary of the scholarship given at the school until Governor Ibrahim Idris decided to end the scholarship because of his political difference with Prince Audu.
On Kogi State University; Tertiary Education
In 1999 when Prince Abubakar Audu decided that it was time for Kogi State to have her own state university he was attacked and ridiculed in all media outlets because the people then thought Kogi State had no money to build a university. The same fools ended up sending their children to the same school.
The College of Education and the Kogi State Polytechnic was made possible because of the dream of one man who believed in the betterment of Kogi State.
On Tourism and Hospitality
Any nation or society who abandons leisure and fun time can not be said to be alright in her quest for a better environment for both investors and the good people of Kogi State to have a nice time, enjoy themselves and make business comfortable.
Prince Abubakar Audu proposed and built the Confluence Beach Hotel Lokoja. Moutt Patti was renovated and painted too during Audu’s first tenure. The facts are there for everyone to see.
On Health Development
Health is wealth. It is very simple and easy. It means our good health is the real wealth of our life which gives us good physique and mind and enables us to enjoy whole life by managing its all challenges. Good health promotes a good mental, physical and social health.
Prince Abubakar Audu knew this very well and this was why he opened Lokoja General Hospital which was later bought by Federal Government and renamed Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and he supported numerous medical treatment of many Kogi people. Many people can’t deny it because this is the truth.
I know many people will ask what necessitated this write up today, but as time goes on I will explain the importance and connection of this article to the present government of Kogi State and her dreams for the Kogi people.
After the death of Prince Abubakar Audu a lot has not changed in the physical and social amenities in our land, the people are getting poorer, schools are dilapidated and health care is reduced to a beggars stamp.
I beg to ask these questions:
Why has the rate of development reduced in this present time?
Despite the increase in IGR, monthly allocation, excess crude windfall and Paris Club refund monies collected so far, why has Kogi remained poorer and underdeveloped?
What has happened to numerous industries around Kogi State?
What has happened to Audu’s legacy?
Mind you, you can’t be a benefactor of Audu’s death and be deceiving the people of Kogi State by commissioning religious center instead of commissioning industry for our people to work in.
Sorry sir, I need to ask you a question? How many industries has the Governor opened in Igalaland, Igbiraland, Bassaland and OkunLand?
Oh, I just remembered the present Governor commissioned his personal house recently in Okene and the Ohinoyi of Igbiraland was there to celebrate it.
Sir, deep down you know within you that the people of Kogi State are suffering.
How can we develop Kogi State with these type of leadership and mindset of people who celebrate commissioning of a borehole as a major achievement?
I’m writing this article so that our present crop of leaders can learn and work for the people because that’s the best thing to do.
As a politician ask your self this question; What do you want to be remembered for when you die?
The main reason for this article is to change the mindset of our leaders to develop our state and her people.
The people needs industry to work in and cater for their needs.
I”m just a normal person who cares for the people and the development of my people.
– Comrade Emmanuel Abutu Idakwo
Kogi Governorship Candidate 2027
