Immediate past President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) and former President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Omede Idris, has vowed to turn the fortunes of Kogi state around, if elected governor of the state later this year.
Idris, who is vying for the office on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) said his administration’s agenda are centred on economic growth, social inclusion, environmental protection, peace and security.
In a statement signed by him on Tuesday, the former Commissioner for Health
in the state expressed his plan to revamp the economy of Kogi State through state-backed power generation from renewable energy and human resources development.
Besides, the aspirant listed health, potable water for all, and education among his priorities, if given the mandate by his people.
According to him, his agenda is hinged on “Teaming for Reality, Trust and Restoration.
Idris gave an assurance that he would use the opportunity provided by the state proximity to the country’s capital, and being the link to the northern and southern regions of the country, to give the state economy and infrastructures the desired lift.
He said: “The role of electricity in the enhancement of economy, social services and technology to mention a few cannot be over stated,” adding that it is key to creating an enabling environment that will be explored rationally.
“On the issue of power, for instance, we shall pursue and develop technology, renewable energy and infrastructure master plan for the state.”
“We will also work with investors in the energy sector and infrastructure through Public Private Partnership, PPP, in early months of assumption of office, as a hub for industrial and economic development of the state.”
“Our vision in the long term is to ensure that Kogi state, in the midst of its potentials, becomes a sustainable source of economic
diversification and empowerment for the country with focus on eliminating extreme
poverty, through effective and efficient participation of most people, particularly women and youth.”
“While we are conversant with concurrent and exclusive legislative list, we shall explore ways of working round some of the list legitimately, such as security, power and solid minerals.”
The Kogi State governorship aspirant further pledged to provide visionary and transformational leadership in the state and put the state on the path of “reality, trust, restoration of hope, confidence while building an endearing state for the
benefit of all. Dr Omede said these would be his covenant with the electorate and the
people.
“We shall strive through the mandate of the people to secure lives and property, ensure peace across the state, ensure unity and love, and create enable environment for all,” he said.
“My thrust or blueprint centres on ingenuity, ideas, and unity embellished on the ideal of growth and wellbeing, to drive the
processes of production and development through character, content and competence.
“In all, we shall strive to make governance effectively and efficiently admirable and not dreaded or feared, as we embark on ‘Believe 2019, Teaming for Reality, Trust.”
