Dr. Samson Agada Omale, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate for Kogi State Governorship elections, has unveiled a promising manifesto during a presentation to the people of Kogi State on July 26, 2023.
The manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, security enhancement, good governance, and human capital development.
If elected as governor, Dr. Omale pledges to establish a close relationship with the private sector, aiming to create job opportunities, boost the state’s revenue, and harness Kogi State’s abundant human and natural resources.
“We seek a close relationship with the private sector aimed at creating jobs, increasing the state’s revenue receipts, and harnessing Kogi state’s massive human and natural resources.”
“On our part, we shall adopt world-class policies that promote efficiency, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure a stable and predictable political environment for investors and entrepreneurs.” He said.
Dr. Omale has sets ambitious targets of achieving at least 7-10% annual GDP growth and a 20% annual increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) through robust inflows and key policy reforms.
Key priority sectors for development include:
Mining: Large-scale development of key resources such as Iron Ore, Gold, Coal, Limestone, and Lithium.
Agriculture: Focusing on investments and export opportunities in value chains like cassava-to-ethanol, processed cashew, oil palm, and fruits processing.
Tourism: Attracting investments to historical/cultural sites and ecotourism destinations, encouraging large-scale integrated resort development.
Digital Economy: Building Kogi State as a leading technology hub by attracting investments in food technology, climate technology, e-government services, and precision agriculture.
Industrialisation: Attracting investments into new and existing industries, with a particular focus on steel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.
Marine Economy: Harnessing water resources for economic growth in areas such as mini hydropower production, irrigation, transportation, research, and leisure.
Recognizing that a secure environment is essential for progress, Dr. Omale’s manifesto prioritizes effective control over the state’s security situation in close collaboration with federal security and intelligence agencies.
The candidate proposes a strategy that combines local knowledge with cutting-edge technology to detect, prevent, and respond to security challenges in real time.
Key actions include surveillance using advanced tools like highway CCTVs and UAVs, implementing a state emergency management system, funding essential facilities and equipment for security agencies, and establishing local vigilante and intelligence networks in vulnerable communities.
Infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth, security, and an improved quality of life. Dr. Omale plans to collaborate with local and international investors to pursue a robust transport, energy, and environmental infrastructure drive across the state.
Key targets include renewable energy projects, trackless tram development, state and local road construction, clean water provision, and flood control measures.
The manifesto emphasizes operating an efficient, transparent, and predictable justice system to protect people’s freedoms and provide easy access to justice.
The candidate promises absolute accountability across the public sector, starting with the governor’s office, to curb corruption and improve governance. Initiatives include enacting and enforcing a bill of rights to protect citizens’ fundamental human rights, ensuring transparency and accountability in government bodies, repositioning the judiciary for greater efficiency, and undertaking civil service reforms.
Recognizing the importance of education and healthcare for the state’s growth, the manifesto aims to make ample investments in these sectors. The candidate proposes health financing through the Kogi Health System (KHS) and select private insurers to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents.
Additionally, education financing, welfare improvement for healthcare and education workers, and infrastructure development for healthcare and education facilities are among the key initiatives to be undertaken.
Dr. Samson Agada Omale’s comprehensive manifesto outlines a vision for a prosperous, secure, and well-governed Kogi State, with a focus on the welfare and development of its people.
As the gubernatorial election approaches, the people of Kogi State now have a clear picture of the candidate’s priorities and aspirations for their state’s future.
