Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has promised to refocus the state for economic growth and development.
He made the promise on Thursday in Lokoja at the end of a four-day retreat organised for political office holders and top civil servants in the state.
The governor, who also unveiled the New Direction Blueprint of his administration at the session, urged participants to be on the same page with him to achieve the desired goals of his administration.
He said “in order to have a Kogi State that is devoid of endemic poverty and underdevelopment, my administration has come up with New Direction Blueprint to address the infrastructure deficit, as well as the poverty bedevilling the state.
“My administration is targetting education, healthcare, job creation, civil service reforms, as well as massive infrastructure development across the state.
“If we can ensure good education and create the right environment for job creation, our youth won’t find crime lucrative. I urge you all to join my administration in moving the state forward. If I don’t believe in the possibility of my dream, I won’t be here as your governor.”
The governor urged the people of the state to close the ethnic borders and be united for a common purpose.
He added that “anybody that is in my government to divide Kogi people cannot work with our vision. We are marching forward as a united people.”
According to him, the ongoing reform of the state civil service embarked upon by his administration is aimed at rescuing the state from inefficiency, ineffectiveness and corruption.
He noted that “except for the ghosts, unintended beneficiaries will be empowered through agriculture and other empowerment plans of government. They are our people and we have to empower them.
“I urge all of you here to look at the Kogi Project beyond politics. Embrace everyone regardless of political beliefs, religion or ethnicity. We are one people created by God Almighty.
“The only thing I cannot tolerate is corruption. If your intention is to corruptly enrich yourself, I will show you the way out.”
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr David Onoja, had told the participants that the New Direction Blueprint was a pact between the governor and the people of the state.
He urged them to key into the Blueprint for optimal development of the state. (NAN)