Dear Constituents and Fellow Nigerians,
Nigeria at 65: A Story of Resilience, Hope, and Triumph
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
On this day, sixty-five years ago, the green and white flag of Nigeria was first hoisted in the skies, marking our freedom from colonial rule. The year was 1960, and the world looked to us with admiration and high expectations. We were the “Giant of Africa”—a nation richly endowed with resources, culture, and diversity, destined to lead the continent into a new era of independence and greatness.
As we commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day, I extend my warmest felicitations to all citizens of our great nation, particularly the good people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency. Today marks another milestone in our journey as a sovereign nation, and it is a time to reflect on our progress, challenges, and collective aspirations for a better Nigeria.
I wish to specially commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment and bold steps toward the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. For decades, this iconic project has remained dormant, representing unfulfilled promises to our people. However, under President Tinubu’s administration, we have witnessed renewed political will and concrete actions aimed at finally bringing this critical national asset to life.
Notable of which is the creation of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the appointment of our illustrious son as the premier Minister as well as the Appointment of a substantive Managing Director for the Ajaokuta Steel Company who is also a son of the soil. These two individuals have demonstrated capacity and commitment to the revival of ASCO. Since his assumption in office, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubts that the revival of ASCO is a front burner in the course of our national developmental strides.
The President’s dedication to industrialization and his focus on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex demonstrates genuine commitment to economic transformation and job creation for our teeming youth population. This project is not just about steel production; it represents hope, economic empowerment, and industrial renaissance for Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.
I wish to appreciate the Kogi State Governor H.E Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support in ensuring the safety of a critical national asset in Kogi State as well as providing an enabling environment for a thriving host community.
However, I must express my deep disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent statement credited to business mogul Aliko Dangote, who allegedly likened the Ajaokuta Steel Company to a graveyard.
Such remarks are not only insensitive but also disrespectful to the millions of Nigerians who have invested hope in this project and to the Federal Government’s genuine efforts at revival.
Ajaokuta Steel Company is a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial potential, not a graveyard. It represents the dreams and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who believe in our capacity for industrial self-sufficiency. While constructive criticism is welcome in nation-building, derogatory statements that undermine national assets and government efforts are counterproductive and unpatriotic.
I call on all stakeholders, including business leaders, to support rather than discourage the Federal Government’s industrialization agenda. Our nation needs unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric.
As we celebrate our independence, let us recommit ourselves to building a Nigeria that works for all. The Ajaokuta project is a test of our national resolve, and with the right support, it will stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
I remain committed to representing the interests of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and ensuring that our voices are heard in the corridors of power. Together, we shall witness the full operationalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the economic prosperity it promises.
Happy Independence Day!
Long live Ajaokuta Federal Constituency! Long live Kogi State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed:
Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem
Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency &
Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, House of Representatives, National Assembly of Nigeria
