Steel Development Minister, Prince Audu visits Gov Bello, briefs him on positive developments in Steel industry »

…congratulates him on the appointments of New Ohinoyi, other monarchs, LGA Chairs, Cabinet Members

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello CON, on Friday, 12 January 2024 to brief him on the recent developments in the steel industry and proposed steel investment deals expected to bring about $10 billion into the nation’s economy.

This is also as Prince Audu congratulated the governor on the recent appointments of the New Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, other traditional rulers, local government caretaker chairmen, and state executive cabinet members.

The details of the meeting between the Honourable Minister of Steel Development and the Governor were made known in a statement signed by the Special Assistant Media to the Minister, Lizzy Okoji on Friday in Abuja.

Prince Audu thanked the governor for his support in ensuring that he delivers on the national assignment as Minister to revive the nation’s steel industry in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Briefing the governor on the updates in the steel industry, Audu told Bello that upon actualization of all the prospective steel deals, billions of dollars of foreign direct investments would come into the nation’s steel industry, which would further create over 500,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Nigerians including thousands of Kogites.

“I am delighted to brief you on the positive developments in the steel industry that the President Tinubu Administration is keen on reviving in order to open up the nation’s economy and create job opportunities.

“Significant progress has been made in the sector with my engagements with prospective international and local investors who have expressed their interest in investing in the steel industry, as well as private financial institutions who are ready to invest funds in the sector.

“We have had expressions of interest from India’s Jindal Steel Company and China’s Lu’an Steel Group which are ready to invest billion of dollars in the sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. We will also begin production of military hardwares and production of Iron Rods following President Tinubu’s approval for the resuscitation of the Light Steel Mill section of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant”.

Prince Audu also lauded Bello for ensuring that the right and deserving people were appointed at all helms of affairs, extolling Bello for his wealth of wisdom in successfully governing the state in the past eight years.

“Your Excellency, I congratulate you once again on the appointment of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, and other traditional rulers: the Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Saidu Akawo Salisu, and the Maiyaki of Kupa, Dauda Isah.

“I also extol the meticulous selection of the 21 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen and the Members of the State Executive Council, who, as we know, are capable hands,” Audu added.

Gov. Bello commended the Minister for a job well done and delivering on the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to remain focused.

The Governor commended the significant achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR within just eight months, pledging his support to Prince Audu to succeed in his assignment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“By the grace of God, Ajaokuta will come alive, and the steel industry will boom in the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He is doing very well. When we met the day before yesterday, we really commended him, and we pointed out so many areas where he has helped us within these seven, eight months. Keep moving, continue to do your work, ignore every form of fake news, remain focused, and avoid every form of distraction. We will continue to support you. Make us proud because Mr. President is sure of us in Kogi State, and we will deliver,” Bello said.