The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Audu, has urged the people of Kogi State to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, saying the administration has initiated projects that demonstrate its commitment to the state’s development.
Audu made the call in Abuja while receiving members of the Kogi League of Veteran Journalists, who paid him a solidarity and appreciation visit.
He said President Tinubu “sees Kogi as his second home” and has responded to the developmental needs of the state through investments in infrastructure, power and the steel sector.
The minister cited the recently inaugurated 1.6-megawatt hybrid solar mini-grid in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area, as one of the Federal Government’s interventions in the state. According to him, the project is expected to improve electricity supply to homes, healthcare facilities, schools and businesses in the area.
Audu also referred to ongoing efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the steel plant as a key component of the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda. He said reviving the company would create jobs, support local manufacturing and contribute to economic growth.
The minister expressed confidence that the Federal Government’s economic reforms would yield positive results in the coming years.
“We must not be behind in the Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring that we cue in and support President Tinubu to do more,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the Kogi League of Veteran Journalists, Sunny B. Omachi, thanked the minister for facilitating the siting of the hybrid solar mini-grid project in Egume, Kogi East, noting that many communities in the area had experienced poor electricity supply for decades.
Omachi said members of the league were encouraged by what he described as the Federal Government’s prompt response to some of the developmental challenges facing Kogi State, particularly the provision of electricity to underserved communities and renewed attention to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
He said the journalists visited the minister to express their appreciation and reaffirm their support for initiatives aimed at promoting the development of Kogi State.
