Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Governor-elect, kogi state.
,,,,,,Conflict resolution expert urges Ododo to ensure good governance.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Members of Ebira Avaibe Association, Lokoja, have embarked on prayer for the success of the incoming kogi state administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo due to come into operation on January 27,2023.
Our correspondent reports that members made the resolution at their weekly meeting at Anebo quarters, Gadumo, Lokoja on Sunday.
The convener of the meeting , Hon.Musa Aka’and, said that Ododo, his cabinet and other aids that would join him to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years needed the special prayer to accomplish the work ahead.
Various members of the association that made remarks at the meeting commended the governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his support in ensuring the electoral victory of Ododo.
They also praised the electorate for entrusting the candidate of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate in the November 11,2023 governorship election in the state.
The meeting expressed optimism that the governor-elect would no betray the confidence electorate reposed on Ododo.
Meanwhile, 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 he said 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,gave the advice in Lokoja in an interview with the correspondent of The Reporters.
The boss of the NGO also advised the incoming government to sign a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with Dangote Cement Company for the supply of cement for the state Ministry of Housing, being envisaged, to 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 is 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 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-owned 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.
He said it would also ease 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 in 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.
