In a recent interview on AIT with Ijeoma Osamor, Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie, a gubernatorial aspirant under the National Rescue Movement (NRM), discussed the challenges facing Edo state and his vision to transform it into an economically diverse region.
Edo state, often referred to as a “civil servants state,” has been facing Lack of employment prospects for non-government workers. Many individuals, particularly recent graduates, are forced to seek employment opportunities in bustling cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
Dr. Aikoriogie acknowledged this issue and highlighted his plan to make Edo state economically viable by focusing on agriculture, which is the mainstay of Nigeria’s cash crops and mineral resources.
As a political-economist, Dr. Aikoriogie has extensive knowledge of the agricultural sector and believes that investing in this area can bring significant benefits to the state. He outlined his intention to diversify Edo state’s economy by harnessing its agricultural potential, which was the mainstay of the economy prior to the discovery of crude oil in Olibiri in 1955 present day in Bayelsa State, harnessing food, cash crops and mineral resources.
During the interview, Dr. Aikoriogie emphasized the importance of tapping into the country’s cash crop resources. He intends to encourage and support farmers in Edo state to cultivate high-value crops that have a strong demand locally and internationally. By doing so, he believes that the state can generate substantial revenue and create employment opportunities for its residents.
In addition to agriculture, Dr. Aikoriogie also voiced his commitment to exploring and exploiting the mineral resources that lie within Edo state. By conducting comprehensive surveys and leveraging technology, he aims to identify untapped mineral reserves and attract investments to develop the mining sector. This, he believes, will contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the state.
While Edo state has traditionally relied on the civil service for employment opportunities, Dr. Aikoriogie’s vision for diversification aims to create new avenues for individuals to thrive without solely depending on government positions. By revitalizing the agricultural sector and harnessing mineral resources, he plans to create an environment that attracts investors, generates revenue, and generates job opportunities.
The gubernatorial aspirant expressed his confidence in bringing about positive change if elected as the governor of Edo state. He believes that by fostering economic diversification, the state can achieve sustainable development and provide a better future for its residents.
As Edo state gears up for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, Dr. Aikoriogie’s vision of making the state economically viable through agricultural and mineral resource diversification has gained traction among the electorate. Voters will have the opportunity to decide if his plans align with their aspirations for the state’s future.
