Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, yesterday said besides harnessing the abundant natural and human resources in the state, he will explore new methods for creating growth and wealth.
He stated this during the inauguration of a Policy Document Development Committee to chart a way forward for his administration if elected in November.
Melaye, who also released a policy document to guide his activities, lamented that Kogi was supposed to be a confluence of opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Melaye, who said he will be governor of the people if elected, added that they intended to follow the path of nations and regions in the world who have achieved monumental socio-economic transformation through visioning and thoughtful experimentation.
He pointed out that the caliber of personalities in the committee is a testimony to the endowment of Kogi with a high number of people with demonstrable intellect, competence and expertise in all walks of life.
Melaye said: “As one of the most endowed States in Nigeria in terms of natural and human resources, Kogi was designed by God to be a confluence of opportunities. Regrettably, it has remained a confluence of unrealised potentials, lacklustre socio-economic performance and massive frustration.
“In order to reverse this unacceptable trend and to actualise our vision, we intend to follow the path of nations and regions in the world who have achieved monumental socio-economic transformation through visioning, thoughtful experimentation, adequate planning and unwavering determination to bring dreams into reality.
“The world economy has changed. There was a time when agriculture and manufacturing were the main drivers of growth and wealth creation but today close to 2/3rd of the global economy is a knowledge economy.
“We can, therefore, attain our vision by effectively harnessing our abundant natural and human resources while also drawing heavily on the experience of other climes in the application of the new methods for creating growth and wealth in the 21st century.”
Melaye listed the challenges facing the state to include insecurity, “the dismal state of our social services, the near total collapse of our Local Governments, haphazard and whimsical payment of salaries pensions and gratuities, the frustration of our youth due to massive unemployment and grinding rural poverty pose to our people.
“They all require urgent action which can bring noticeable improvement to the overall well-being of our people within the first six months of our administration.”
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the committee, Prof Sam Amdi, said that the committee will come up with a document that will enhance growth and development for the state.
He said that their choice was an opportunity to serve, adding that the members of the committee are men and women, who can be relied upon to deliver.
He said: “We would be able to rally round and come up with a document that will enhance growth and development for the state. The essence of the committee is to provide the objectives and what you expect to achieve in government.
“You have given us an assignment, we want to assure the people of Kogi that we will provide a paradigm that develop Kogi State. We will conclude our assignment within the two weeks given.”
Other members of the committee were Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, Victor Adoji, Natasha Akpoti, Musa Ahmadu, Ambassador Olusiji Aina, Prof Rotimi Ajayi, Dr Safiya Ajayi, Dr Dan Oguns and Barrister Justina Abaneda among others.
