TheCable

President Bola Tinubu says the Ajaokuta steel complex will provide 500,000 jobs once it is completed.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said this on Sunday when he flagged off the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi.

The governorship election will be held in the state on November 11.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, media aide to Shettima, the president said the Ajaokuta steel complex would boost Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) and provide a conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.

“Given Mr President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi, in particular, being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the centre,” the statement reads.

“We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation.

“[Tinubu is a] man of plenty of ideas who is determined to reposition the nation in its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy.”

The president said his administration would prioritise the Itakpe crop processing project and make it “a dream come true”.

On his part, Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, said residents of the state should vote for the APC to consolidate the gains his administration has made.

“We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that,” Bello said.

“I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward.”