The Eyize of Ebira land in Kogi State, Daudu (Dr) Barnabas Adeku Ojiah, and other stakeholders in the region have called for serious efforts to enhance development in the North Central and improve the living condition of its people.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of committees to carry on activities in the region as spearheaded by the North Central Development Initiative, the traditional ruler specifically decried the continuous under-utilisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex which he said should have been a catalyst to industrial development of not only the North Central but Nigeria as whole.
“Utilisation of the Ajaokuta steel remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic development, no country develops without steel, but ours has been lying there untilised,” he said.
He said while the company was not functioning, farming, which should be embraced by all, is not functioning in the North Central because of the constant attacks on farmers in the region.
“It is time for our people in The special assistant (media) to the Nasarawa State governor, Hon. Ali Abare and a former information commissioner in Kogi State and strong figure in former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu’s administration, Dr Tom Ohikere, among others, all canvassed for unity in the region by forming a formidable union through the North Central Development Initiative to drive development in the region.
Hon. Ali, however, noted that there was still hope for the region as it was not always as gloomy, but called for the enthronement of good leaders and good governance.
“We need leaders that take the interests of the people at heart; people are suffering because leaders are only interested in themselves. The essence of the NCDI is to fight poor governance in the region,” he said.
He, along with Dr Ohikere, Mr Abendega Terse from Benue State among others who spoke, expressed hope that the North Central Development Commission should materialise with concerted efforts by the NCDI, and resolved to support and sustain it with all vigour.
