The people of Kogi State, north-central Nigeria, have another opportunity to elect a governor who can address the most pressing development challenges facing the state.
Development Diaries reports that 1,932,654 registered voters in Kogi State are expected to participate in the governorship election scheduled for 11 November, 2023.
What should voters bear in mind as they prepare to exercise their civic responsibility?
Kogi is a state with immense potential and resources. However, like many other states in the country, it faces a multitude of developmental problems that hinder its progress and the well-being of its residents.
These challenges encompass various aspects of social, economic, and infrastructure development and require concerted efforts to address them effectively.
Economic development in Kogi State is hampered by high unemployment and poverty rates.
In 2016, the government of Kogi promised to address the state’s unemployment problem, specifically promising to create one million jobs for young people.
Unfortunately, the unemployment rate in Kogi State increased from 17.6 percent in 2017 to 39 percent in 2020.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data indicates that Kogi State’s unemployment rate was 17.6 percent at the end of the 2017 fourth quarter; the 12th lowest among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and somewhat lower than Benue’s 17.4 percent in the north-central region.
Data from the NBS shows that the poverty rate in the state is still on the high side. In its 2022 National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, the NBS put the poverty rate in Kogi State at 61 percent, indicating that more than half of the population is now living in multidimensional poverty.
Another critical issue in Kogi State is education, as access to quality education remains a challenge for many. A shortage of well-trained teachers, inadequate school facilities, and insufficient educational resources are common problems.
Infrastructure development is another area of concern. The state’s road network is often in disrepair, making transportation difficult and impeding economic activity.
Additionally, security challenges, such as criminal activities and communal conflicts, threaten the peace and stability of Kogi State.
Development Diaries urges the people of Kogi to put aside ethnic and religious sentiments and vote for a candidate who will unlock the state’s true potential and improve the well-being of its citizens, ultimately fostering sustainable development and prosperity for all.
Photo source: Kogi State Government
