The Kogi State Government has called on Nigerians to avoid the planned protest from August 1st to 10th, 2024, while announcing a significant empowerment initiative for 500 women and youth in the poultry value chain.
During a statement made in Lokoja on Tuesday, the government urged citizens to reconsider the protest, emphasizing that the current economic challenges were inherited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The government argues that protests would only exacerbate the nation’s economic difficulties.
A government spokesperson emphasized the importance of supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to improve the country, stating, “We will continue to support President Tinubu’s commendable initiative to make Nigeria better. We urge those contemplating violent protests to reconsider. Progress is being made, and our hopes are renewed.”
The government warned that violent protests could undo the progress achieved over the past 13 months and attributed the protest call to political motivations. “We call on all Nigerian youth to support the President’s efforts to restore economic stability. The current challenges are not of his making, and he is working hard to address them. We urge everyone to back his policies to overcome the economic hardships together.”
Criticizing protest advocates, the government suggested that those urging protests should first involve their own children. “Those encouraging protests should send their children to participate. We will not be deceived. President Tinubu is making genuine efforts to address the inherited economic issues, and we will continue to support him.”
The government highlighted the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) program as a key initiative for boosting food security and economic growth in Nigeria. “This initiative aligns with our vision to establish Kogi as a leading center for livestock production. A successful poultry sector in Kogi will benefit not only our state but also neighboring states and the federal capital territory,” the government stated.
Kogi State has assured the World Bank of its commitment to the program, promising to execute projects with strong political will for the benefit of the people.
Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, Kogi State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, emphasized that the program aims to enhance livestock productivity, commercialize value chains, and improve emergency response capabilities. He encouraged beneficiaries to fully leverage the opportunity to transform the livestock sector in Kogi.
In response to allegations of misappropriated palliatives, Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, dismissed viral claims. “The circulating video suggesting that Kogi State diverted palliatives is false and originates from Abuja, not Kogi. Such misinformation is aimed at discrediting our administration.”
Ojoma urged the public to disregard these false claims and trust in the administration’s transparent approach to distributing palliatives. “We appeal to the public to ignore these malicious rumors. Our administration has been transparent in its efforts to alleviate economic hardships and we ask for continued confidence in our efforts.”
