By Idris Ozi Shaib
In any society where quality leadership is valued and appreciated, the people pray for the gift of a godly Leader who have the interest of the people at heart.
No doubt, the people of Kogi State, the Confluence State of opportunities have been praying and God has finally answered with the gift of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who came into power when the State was in need of development.
The former Governor having came, seen and conquered, laid a solid foundation that the present Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the flower Boy or Mr. Alert as well as Chief Servant as fondly called is consolidating upon.
The giant development strides of Governor Ododo, in his first year in office, have been applauded as remarkable, by all and sundry including his political opponents.
These huge achievements in the education sector, health, agriculture, social intervention programs, roads, bridges, security, workers/pensioners welfare and youth empowerment are highly acknowledged and well documented.
All these are results of outstanding strategies that are being put in place by the Governor to create corridors of ‘Growth Points’ across the state.
A good example is the emerging and fast developing financial Corridor of ‘Zone 8-Crusher-Zariagi Economic Hub’.
This strategy is a demonstration of the ‘Growth Point Theory’ propounded over 7 decades ago.
The Growth Point Theory, also known as the “Growth Pole Theory,” was developed by French economist François Perroux in the 1950s.
The theory posits that economic growth and development can be stimulated by the creation of growth points or poles, which are areas with high concentrations of economic activity, infrastructure, and innovation.
A growth point can be a community, town, or region with a strong economic base, good infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.
The foresight displayed by Governor Ododo in siting the Multi Billion Naira International Market in Zone 8, the proposed Airport & Federal Housing Estates in Zariagi locality, the completion of the Zone 8 Dual Carriage Way and the Barrack-GYB Junction roads will create a growth point, leading to economic growth and development of the state in several ways.
Prior to the introduction of these laudable projects, the Zone 8-Crusher-Zariagi region is noted to have a small population, with limited economic opportunities.
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with limited infrastructure and services.
Unemployment is high, and many young people leave the locality to seek opportunities either in Lokoja Metropolis or elsewhere.
The expected gains of siting these gigantic projects within this ‘economic growth point’ are varied and numerous.
The commencement of work in these projects will generate thousands of jobs, both during the construction phase and after the airport becomes operational.
For instance, it is envisaged that the construction of the International Market, Airport and the Housing Estate will create over 20,000 jobs during their construction phases alone.
Also, these critical Industrial/Business entities and Housing Infrastructure will stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses, investments, real estate companies and tourists.
New businesses and services, such as restaurants, shops, and hotels will emerge to cater to the needs of the industrial entities and its workers, leading to increased economic activity and growth.
The Ultra-Modern Market, International Cargo Airport and the Federal Housing Estate are projected that can generate over 100 Billion Naira in economic activity annually in Kogi State and environs.
In the same vein, the Airport and the emerging road infrastructure, including the fly-over in Zariagi, will improve connectivity between Nigerian cities, states, and countries, facilitating the movement of people and goods.
For example, the establishment of the Airport will make Kogi State a major hub for international trade and commerce, connecting well with and facilitating easy access for the Dangote Cement Company at Obajana, the Mangal Cement Company, the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the 5 Multi-Million Naira Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) companies recently launched in Ajaokuta.
Similarly, the presence of these large business enterprises and mega market will foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as emerging companies and individuals are encouraged to develop new products, services, and processes.
Also, as the local economy grows around Zone 8-Zariagi corridor, the standard of living for residents of the state will improve, with access to better education, healthcare, and other services.
The International Market and Airport will generate significant tax revenue for the local and state governments.
Other benefits will include improved accessibility to remote or underserved areas, promoting economic development and social inclusion.
The Airport will also attract tourists and promote local economic development as well as serve as emergency response hubs, facilitating the transportation of emergency responders and equipment.
In all, the construction of an airport in the Zariagi corridor, will have significant socio-economic impacts and benefits, including job creation, economic growth, improved connectivity, and increased tax revenue.
The Airport will also promote tourism, improve emergency response capabilities, and reduce traffic congestion.
Similarly, the establishment of an Ultra-Modern Market in Zone 8 area will create a growth point, leading to economic growth and development.
