The Managing Director and CEO of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti has called on the entire people of Ebira nation and by extension the people of Nigeria to channel their energy and attention towards economic development of the nation rather than concentrating on unhealthy political happenings that are fast draining the human and material recourses of the nation.
Natasha made the call while chairing a session on the topic “Voices for Ajaokuta: The Way Forward” at the occassion of “One Day Interface with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kogi Central organized by Ebira People Association (EPA) and held at Chelsea Hotels Classic, Abuja.
Present at the occassion were; Dr. Abdulrahaman M. Adeiza, President General of EPA, alongside other EPA national executives; Representative of Kogi State Governor, Arc. Abdulmumuni Okara; Representative of Sen. Ahmed Ogembe, Hon Aloysius Okino. Others include; Dr. Tom Adava, Prof. Ahmed Abere, Prof. M. S. Audu, Prof. Angela, Rear Admiral Anthony Isah, Alh. A. K. Bello, Mrs. Lamidi Ahmed, Muhammed B. Attah among others.
In her speech, Natasha eulogised the leadership of EPA for the thoughtful occassion and spurred them for more of such gathering that can strengthen unity of purpose among the sons and daughters of Ebira. She called on the Ebira people and the Nigerians at large to redirect their energy and attention from political games which add no value to the well being of the people. “It is time we discuss our well being, let us discuss how we grow our economy and build a strong Ebira land and a strong Nigeria socio-economically” Natasha stated.
She pointed out some of the good steps taken so far on the revival of Ajaokuta Steel company, especially by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. She appealed for a good senergy between legislators and executives both at the federal and state level to ensure that Ajaokuta works for the people. “All hands must be on deck for more progressive steps. There must be a collaborative effort between executives at the state and federal level to ensure that all policies and laws made in regard to Ajaokuta are successfully sealed. Steel stakeholders must remain committed to the course of Ajaokuta revival. Let a working Ajaokuta remain the priority and nothing less.” She Added.
In a brief presentation during the breakout session of the event, Natasha stated that Ajaokuta can be treated like the “Suez Canal” of Egypt where public fund raising was transparently made to finance a government project. She equally talked about the need to holistically redesign the Ajaokuta Steel master plan and the separation of regulating body from the operational body in steel sector in Nigeria – whereby the former is government-based while the latter is comprised of experts and technocrats in the field of Engineering and related fileds. She concluded that the current House of Representatives must be commended for their bold steps so far, while urging for continuous support for Ajaokuta project till the dream becomes a reality.
Hamza Lamisi