The President also pledged to fully harness the potential of the Complex once it is finished, as it will enhance Nigeria’s foreign direct investment and create a conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, made these remarks during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

The governorship election in the state is scheduled for November 11.

Addressing a large crowd in Lokoja, VP Shettima emphasized that Tinubu is committed to completing the construction of key infrastructure projects such as the River Niger, Kabba-Lokoja, and Abuja-Lokoja roads.

He described President Tinubu as a visionary leader determined to reposition Nigeria in terms of restructuring and stimulating the economy.

VP Shettima stressed the importance of a harmonious relationship between Kogi State and the federal government, citing the state’s role as a confluence state.

He outlined plans by the Tinubu administration to realize the Itakpe crop processing project and promised jobs and affordable education under the present government.

Reiterating that the welfare of the citizens would not be compromised, VP Shettima urged Kogi citizens to turn out in large numbers on November 11 to vote for the APC candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to build on the achievements of the APC government in the state.

He also announced President Tinubu’s approval for the rehabilitation of the Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for agreeing to launch the governorship campaign in his state.

He highlighted the achievements of his administration in areas such as security, education, and healthcare, and called for the people of Kogi to vote for the APC candidate to move the state forward.

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, emphasized that because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance in Kogi, the state cannot afford to change the party at the center.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, encouraged the people of Kogi to prepare their voter cards and turn out in large numbers to support the APC candidate in the November 11 governorship election.

Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo, pledged to include the people of the state in his plans if elected, emphasizing his commitment to the development agenda of Kogi State.

He outlined priorities in security, education, agriculture, health, and women’s empowerment.

A proposal to this effect has been sent to President Bola Tinubu for consideration and approval.

This move is part of the government’s efforts to incentivize foreign investors who have expressed interest in investing in the country’s steel industry.

The designation of Ajaokuta as a Free Trade Zone is intended to provide additional benefits to attract these investors.

The minister made this announcement during his visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, where he toured the complex with investors from the United States, Germany, Russia, and China.

Abubarkar-Audu explained that the purpose of the visit was to showcase the vast potential of Nigeria’s steel resources and the prospects it offers, as well as to assess the challenges hindering production at the Ajaokuta Steel Company and propose solutions.

He emphasized that if Ajaokuta Steel Company is operated efficiently, it has the potential to create over 500,000 jobs, which could significantly impact poverty reduction in Nigeria.

The minister also revealed that foreign investors would conduct an advanced technical audit of the steel complex and its facilities to determine the necessary steps to revitalize the company.

“We have the Russians, Americans, Arabs, and Chinese who are showing interest. They have come to show their desire to carry out an advanced technical audit to see what needs to be completed. After my findings from here, we will forward everything to Mr President for his approval,” Abubarkar-Audu said.

He further outlined that there is a three-year plan and a five-year plan in place to ensure the production of steel not only at Ajaokuta but also in other parts of the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing the revival of the company. He commended the minister for his vision and plans to rejuvenate the company, highlighting the abundant opportunities in Ajaokuta.

A foreign investor from Novostal-M Company in Russia, Mr. Jalil Hkoodshoev, praised the President’s initiatives to revive the company.

He noted that with the prospects he had seen on the ground, his company was interested in investing in Ajaokuta.

Hkoodshoev emphasized that the revitalization of the company would have a significant impact not only on Nigeria but also on the entire West African and African regions.

“It is amazing and I think that the initiatives that have been taken by His Excellency, the President of Nigeria will have a big impact not only for Nigeria but all the sub-region and all of Africa. I hope that in the next couple of years, we can participate also as partners of the government for this project, and for the steel business,” Hkoodshoev said.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after Wednesday’s hybrid FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the council chambers of the State House, Abuja.

Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Mines and Steel, Olamilekan Adegbite, said the move breathed an air of hope in the long-abandoned piece of infrastructure.

He said “Council approved the engagement of transaction advisors for consultancy services for the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and also the National Iron Ore Mining Complex in Itakpe in favour of Messrs CPCS Transform Consortium in the sum of N853,266,644.4 inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT.

“I am sure we are all familiar with the history of the Ajaokuta Steel complex. The contract was awarded in 1979 to a Russian company called TPE. By the end of 1983, the contract had reached advanced stage. Regrettably, since then it has been suffering and by 1994, TPE demobilised from site and 1996, the contract was terminated.

“Subsequently, various administrations have tried to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company without much success. However, you will recall that Mr President was on a state visit to Russia on October 22 and 24, 2019, and here it was resolved that the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which the Federal Government has made massive investment, must be resuscitated.”

“However, today, the council has approved the award of a contract, not just for Ajaokuta, but also for the Iron Ore in Itakpe.

“We believe that with this development, we would have made significant step in bringing back to life both the Ajaokuta and the Iron Ore company in Itakpe and move forward the industrial revolution of Nigeria.

“When these two complexes begin to function, then, not only are we going to save money in terms of foreign exchange, but we are going to see a lot of industrial development and also technology transfer,” he said.

This was contained in a statement issued and posted on the hospital’s notice board on Friday and signed by the hospital’s Deputy General Manager, D.Y. Salisu.

“You may be aware that a case of Covid-19 had been confirmed at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited Medical Centre. The victim had since been moved to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja under the watch of relevant agencies.

“The hospital will be shut down for services effective 12 noon, Friday 7th August 2020.

“In line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocol and guidelines, all contacts have been directed to proceed on self-isolation for 14 days and the entire hospital will be decontaminated to prevent further infection and community spread,” the statement read,