***Rallies support for Tinubu’s re-election, 2027
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
HONOURABLE Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on the people of Kogi State to remain optimistic and believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to resolve Nigeria’s pressing challenges with his reforms.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu made the call in an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi.
He reiterated the President’s determination to resolve Nigeria’s pressing challenges, grow the economy, improve the welfare of citizens, and deliver dividends of democracy across the country.
He noted that the impact of the “Renewed Hope” agenda is already being felt at the grassroots, citing examples such as the recent drop in the prices of some staple foods.
The Minister urged Kogi people to remain optimistic and expect even greater progress in the coming years, particularly with the re-election of President Tinubu.
“In just two years, Mr. President has shown strong political will and commitment to transform Nigeria. State FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State has directly benefitted from this boost”, he stated.
On developments within the steel sector, Prince Audu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
He revealed that the current administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant for its resuscitation.
According to him, the Federal Government is also extending the search for private investors to China, marking a significant step forward towards its goal of resuscitating the plant.
“That is why Mr President appointed me as a Minister of the Federal Republic from Kogi State to oversee the rehabilitation of Ajaokuta.
“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly,” Prince Audu said.
On the stakeholders’ meeting, the Minister said the gathering was to enable him meet and interact with his constituents to update and brief them on the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the past two years.
“The president has performed tremendously well. Every politics is local. So, I came to my constituents to brief them. And as you can see, they are extremely delighted with the feedback they got.
“And I am confident that when we get to 2027, we will deliver the votes en masse to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu is Kogi, and Kogi is Tinubu”, the Minister said.
In his remarks, Mr. Joshua Onoja, State Secretary of the APC, commended the Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu for convening the interactive session and reaffirmed the party’s total support for the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027.
Also speaking, Hajiya Hauwa Aduku, Kogi State Women Leader of the APC, urged the constituents to maintain their undivided loyalty to President Tinubu saying, “There should be no vote from Kogi East for any other party,” she declared.
Hon. Saidu Ahmadu Shehu, member, representing Ofu Constituency at Kogi House of Assembly commended Prince Audi saying, “the APC in Kogi State was birthed by the late Prince Abubakar Audu.
“Today, you are walking in his footsteps. Kogi East stands firmly with you and with President Tinubu.”
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Humanitarian Award to Prince Audu by “Arise Igala Magazine” in recognition of his selfless service and contributions to the development of the Igala nation.
The well-attended stakeholders meeting brought together APC chieftains, Executive Chairmen, party stalwarts, the Forum of Local Government Chairmen and Secretaries, Councilors from across Kogi East,
They also include current and former members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, the Audu/Faleke Support Group, and representatives from Kogi Central and West, as well as a massive crowd of enthusiastic party supporters. (Ends)
