By Comr Husseini A. Aloko
The royal visit of Ata Igala, His Majesty Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, to the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, in Abuja, to discuss socioeconomic prosperity, is a step in the right direction. The visit aimed to establish a strong business relationship among Kogi easterners and design a blueprint for the zone’s economic transformation.
As a traditional leader and the progenitor of the Igala race, it is essential for the Ata to prioritise the people’s welfare, peace, and economic development. Experts believe the visit will lead to a clear strategy to reform, revive, and boost the region’s economy, generate investment, and attract investors to the zone. It could also ease tensions among the region’s elite, fostering much-needed collaboration to accelerate economic development.
Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, a technocrat with a successful background in the banking sector, is a man of multifaceted experience with expertise in political and economic issues. He’s a widely admired and internationally recognised figure, making him the ideal person to consult for Kogi East’s economic revolution.
Therefore, I urge the traditional council, business moguls, and political stakeholders to call for an inaugural Kogi East Investment Summit. This summit would serve as a platform to present credible and bankable investment opportunities to potential investors. It would also foster closer collaboration between the private sector and the zone in building a stronger business environment.
Participants for the summit should be drawn from various electoral wards, local government areas, and the diaspora. They would present the economic advantages of their regions in terms of mineral resources, cash crops, and trading opportunities.
Permit me to highlights the potential of Oganenigu ward, an agrarian community rich in agricultural potential. The ward boasts a variety of economic trees such as cashew, ogbono, and palm trees, alongside hardwood varieties like oak, teak, mahogany, ogbeche, and iroko, all valuable for construction, furniture making, and roofing. The ward is also home to commercially viable coal deposits at Ebeje Erabo and pristine waterfalls with exceptional potential. Oganenigu ward is arguably the largest producer of cashew nuts and cassava in Kogi State.
Given these resources, Oganenigu ward is well-positioned to house a sawmill, a furniture industry, a garri processing factory, a water bottling company, and a coal processing plant. This showcase of resources from various wards would aid the summit in making informed decisions for planning and execution.
As I conclude, let me emphasise the abundance of natural gifts bestowed upon Kogi East. These resources have the potential to not only ensure survival but also lead to a prosperous and comfortable life for the people. However, I must harp on the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving peace, prosperity, and success for the zone.
COMR Husseini A. Aloko
Write from Lokoja, Nigeria.
husseiniabdul1@gmail.com