The grandson of former president Shehu Shagari, Bello Bala Shagari, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to revive the Ajaokuta Steel mill in Kogi State and name it after his grandfather.
According to Bello, before 1979, Ajaokuta Steel mill was nothing but a mere proposal but when the late Shagari was sworn-in into office, it became his priority project.
“In fact, technically speaking, Ajaokuta Steel company itself was founded in 1979. This revolutionary project was probably the reason why the western powers supported the removal of President Shagari from office. It may not be the sole reason, but it is sure among other reasons.
“When Shagari was embarking on the project, he was discouraged by some foreign powers in the west, but he insisted on carrying out the project nevertheless with so much vigour and enthusiasm. He wanted it completed by 1983 just like Abuja.
“So much so that the western contractors refused to carry out the project which at that time was the most expensive single investment Nigeria has ever made.
“Shagari had to resolve in contracting the Soviets which obviously didn’t go well with the United States especially. Because it was during the cold war, just after the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. So there was so much politics involved, but Shagari wanted it done by hook or by crook,” Bello said.
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