By JACOB OMJEWU DICKSON
As the gubernatorial elections for Kogi approaches, one of its youngest entrepreneurs and political icon, Comrade Bala Abdulghafar Dirisu has joined the race for Lugard House.
Dirisu who is running on the platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM) has as his running mate, Comrade Ernest Enemona Onoja 43, from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi East.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja during the declaration of his intention to contest for the governor’s seat, Malam Dirisu explained that he and his running mate, Comrade Onoja are on a mission to rescue Kogi State from unemployment, poverty, misgovernance and from the scourge of banditry.
“Currently, Kogi State is in bad shape. Only the NRM can solve the problems of insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, unemployment and lopsided distribution of our commonwealth.
“Comrade Onoja and I would ensure that we end these by creating an enabling environment in Kogi that would stimulate employment opportunities and generation of business opportunities as well.
“We shall also stimulate the growth of agrobase industries by investing heavily on agriculture as well as investing in sports.
“We shall build infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, clinics, markets and malls to stimulate the growth of Kogi economy.
“We are presently mobilizing the grassroots level not just members, but all citizens to vote massively for our party’s flag bearers.
“We in the NRM share the conviction of many people of Kogi and we are sure of winning our election convincingly and can fix the state.
He further added that youth and women, as well as the aged in the state would also be their main target, as policies would be put in place to ensure that these category of persons are empowered, and equipped with the knowhow in order to start up their businesses.
Dirisu charged youth in the state to avail themselves and seize the abundant opportunities available in information technology, agriculture and transportation by supporting him and NRM so that these dreams can be realised.
According to political pundits in Kogi State, the duo of Dirisu and Onoja entrance into the governorship race has changed the political landscape of the state as the NRM candidate is relative young, without any controversy bordering on ethnic or religious lining.
Furthermore, Dirisu as a business mogul, is seen as the candidate with the magic wand that will turn around the economy of the state and create the much needed employment opportunities.
