All Progressives Congress (APC) has presented its flag to its governorship candidate for the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial election, Usman Ahmed Ododo.
Ododo, who was presented to thousands of the party’s supporters in Lokoja, the state capital by the party’s national chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, at the flag-off of its campaign yesterday, promised to run an inclusive government if elected.
Ododo said he does not have any ethnic agenda, adding that the “only agenda I have is the Kogi State Development Agenda.”
At the event, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said funds had been approved for the reconstruction of major federal roads in the state.
Shettima told leaders and members of the APC that for the state to continue to enjoy development and access to infrastructure, they need to vote for Ododo in the election.
He said, “The president is a man who is pregnant with ideas on how to move Nigeria and Kogi State forward. Kogi cannot afford to have a governor that will be hostile to the government at the centre. For the people of Kogi to benefit from the eight-point agenda of the president and the natural resources of the state, it’s important that the people of Kogi State should vote for a young matured and patriotic man who is aware of realities of development that will continue with the development mandate.
“The president has approved funds for the reconstruction of Ganaga Road and the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene Road as well as the Kabba-Ilorin Road will receive federal attention immediately.
“Most importantly to the people of Kogi, the Ajaokuta Steel plant is the largest steel mill in Nigeria and that is why the President has appointed a worthy son of Kogi from one of the prominent families as the Minister of Steel development so that he can promote, preserve and protect the interest of the people of Kogi to see to the realisation of the Ajaokuta Steel complex.
“The Ajaokuta and Itakpe plant will help the federal government’s eight-point agenda to employ labour in the country,” he said.
In his welcome address, Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing support that enabled him to perform and reposition the state to the present status.
He thanked Ganduje for enriching the party towards victory.
He said, “You all knew where we all took it from and where it is today. In terms of healthcare delivery and others too numerous to mention. You gave us support and opportunity to perform this much.
“What we are doing today is laying the foundation and it takes a man who has learnt through the road to build on the foundation. That is why we are calling you all to give your maximum support to Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo.”
