By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
L-R: Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,receiving Certification of Return from a seniir official of INEC at INEC office, Lokoja on Friday.
The Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, CHRCR, Lokoja, Kogi state, North Central Nigeria, Mr.Idris Miliki, has advised the incoming governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to set up his economic blueprint committee with people of impeccable track records of achievement.
This is letting the people of the state know what specific policies and programmes his government has to improve the welfare and security in addition to continuing the programs of Governor Yahaya Bello.
Miliki, who advised his office, in Lokoja on Friday, in an interview with the correspondent of The Reporters shortly after Ododo received his Certificate of Return, also called on him to establish two ministries; thusing and marine economy.
The boss of the NGO also advised the incoming Ododo government to sign a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with Dangote Cement Company for the supply of cement to the state Ministry of Housing being envisaged for kick-start construction of massive houses for the masses in the state.
According to him, the incoming government should be able to maximize the opportunity of the proximity of Dangote Cement Company to attract thousands, if not millions of bags of cement, under a mutually beneficial arrangement for the government to build many houses.
He expressed optimism that such an arrangement would arrest the current housing deficit, especially in Lokoja, the capital of the state, and check the skyrocketing house rent in the state.
The CHRCR executive director also urged the incoming government to create Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and possibly, establishing a mini Airport through, public private partnership,PPP arrangement as well as create Ministry of Marine Economy for the state to effectively harness the potential of River Niger and Benue whose confluence located in Lokoja.
He said the mini airport would fly many big personalities to and from the state in the course of exploring various business opportunities in the state for mutual benefit.
He also called for a well-thought-out policy on tourism for the state to harness the abundant tourism potential of the state to attract foreign tourists.
According to him, such a ministry will boost marine transportation, plus other aquatic activities that will boost the internally generated revenue, IGR among other advantages.
Miliki also called on the Ododo government to give serious thought to the establishment of state television, and effective funding of Radio Kogi and the Graphic newspaper.
He expressed optimism that if the state could have its TV station, it would reduce the rate at which it patronizes other high TV stations with high bills, adding that effective funding of the state radio and the newspaper would boost the morale of the staff towards greater productivity.
Miliki also stressed the need to revitalize the state transport company to make it viable and enhance land transportation with the attendant benefit of boosting revenue generation of the state and easy transportation of persons and goods in and around the state.
On the appointment of aides, Miliki urged Ododo to go for competent persons who would help run his government successfully.
He said that in as much as Ododo would want to compensate those who aided him, morally and otherwise, during the campaign period, there were other people outside the political cycle but with enviable track records he needed to also boost his efforts in actualizing the mandate of the people.
Contributing, an agriculture expert, Mr.Alli Hamidu, called on the incoming government to take a serious look at the agricultural policy of the state government to enable the state produce enough food for internal consumption and for other states and arrest the high cost of foodstuffs in the state.
“It will be a nice thing if Ododo government can put an end to percentage salary at the local government level, though Bello government inherited it from the previous administration.
“The current government has cleared the issue of lack of cash backing for promotions at the state level, the Ododo government should continue with this positive development when he takes over the leadership of the state in less than two months from now,”Hamidu further urged.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, an incident of the state, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Bello, described Ododo’s electoral “as truly inspiring and a testament to the faith the people have in you.
According to him, Ododo’s dedication and hard work had not gone unnoticed, adding that it is evident that the governor-elect is passionate about making positive changes. Bello reminded Ododo that his victory was not just a personal achievement; but also a win for the entire community of Kogi State.
“In embarking on this new journey as governor, remember that your success is a call to service.
” The people have entrusted you with their hopes and aspirations. As you assume this crucial role, prioritize the pressing needs of the people, particularly in areas of security, job creation, and infrastructure – key pillars of your manifesto.
“Your journey to becoming governor reads like an exciting story that has inspired many. “Now, with the people’s mandate, lead us towards a brighter future. Use your tenure to bring about the positive changes you have envisioned for Kogi State.
“May your leadership be marked by a sincere commitment to the well-being of the people. Focus on enhancing security, creating jobs, and developing robust infrastructure. Your win is a win for progress and a better tomorrow,” he stressed.
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