Oscarline Onwuemenyi
24 February 2017, Sweetcrude, Abuja – A senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Sen. Ahmed Ogembe, has expressed optimism that the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex would soon be revived.
Ajaokuta Steel Company, established about 40 years ago, has yet to resume production of steel, with successful administrations not able to agree on whether to use the blast furnace technology or change it.
According to a statement by his media aide, Mr. Yemi Duke, Sen. Ogembe observed that promises by various governments to resuscitate the firm into full activity had always come to nought.
Ogembe who was speaking, at a meeting with Ebira Peoples’ Assembly, on Thursday in Lokoja, gave an assurance that the firm would be brought to life.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure that the company comes back to life.
“We shall not rest until this objective is achieved,” the statement quoted the senator as saying.
At the meeting, which was attended by members of the House of Representatives from the constituency, the senator also expressed determination to secure projects that would improve the living conditions of his people.
He said that he was working with those concerned toward the completion of the Ekuku and Osara dams, noting that the lingering shortage of water would become a thing of the past if they became functional.
Ogembe commended Gov. Yahaya Bello’s efforts toward improving the security situation in Kogi, and urged him to sustain the tempo so as to rid the state of criminal elements.
Earlier, the president of EPA, Dr Abdulrahman Adeiza, had lauded the lawmakers’ efforts toward a better Ebira land and pledged the constituents’ support for the success of such efforts.
He also commended their spirit of togetherness in spite of their political differences.
National Assembly lawmakers at the meeting included Tijani Damisa, Ahmed Lawal, Kabiru Ajana, among others.
