Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sanni Egidi AbdulRaheem, has called on Nigerians and his Ajaokuta constituents in particular to keep hope alive and expect a fully functional Ajaokuta Steel Company in a short time. He added that efforts are ongoing to restore the world-class steel complex to its best state.
The federal lawmaker stated this in his Independence Day message, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Hon. AbdulRaheem extended his felicitations to all Nigerians, particularly the people of the Ajaokuta Federal Constituency he represents.
The message reads “Today marks another milestone in our journey as a sovereign nation, and it is a time to reflect on our progress, challenges, and collective aspirations for a better Nigeria”.
“I wish to commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment and bold steps toward reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. This iconic project has remained dormant for decades, representing unfulfilled promises to our people”.
He explained that under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria have witnessed renewed political will and concrete actions aimed at finally bringing this critical national asset to life. He pointed at the creation of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, the appointment of a Kogi-born Technocrat as the Premier Minister, and the Appointment of a substantive Managing Director for the Ajaokuta Steel Company, who is also from Kogi State.
He said, “These two individuals have demonstrated capacity and commitment to the revival of ASCO. Since his assumption in office, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that the revival of ASCO is a front burner in our national developmental strides”.
“The President’s dedication to industrialisation and focus on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex demonstrates a genuine commitment to economic transformation and job creation for our teeming youth population”.
“This project is not just about steel production; it represents hope, economic empowerment, and industrial renaissance for Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large”.
AbdulRaheem commended the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support in ensuring the safety of the steel complex, a critical national asset in Kogi State, and for providing an enabling environment for a thriving host community.
The statement condemned the recent statement credited to business mogul Aliko Dangote, who allegedly likened the Ajaokuta Steel Company to a graveyard.
He said, “Such remarks are insensitive and disrespectful to the millions of Nigerians who have invested hope in this project and to the Federal Government’s genuine efforts at revival”.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company symbolises Nigeria’s industrial potential, not a graveyard. It represents the dreams and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who believe in our capacity for industrial self-sufficiency”.
“While constructive criticism is welcome in nation-building, derogatory statements undermining national assets and government efforts are counterproductive and unpatriotic.
I call on all stakeholders, including business leaders, to support rather than discourage the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda”.
He concluded the statement by reaffirming his commitment to representing the interests of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and ensuring that the voices of his constituents are heard in the corridors of power.
