The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, (NENYLC), on Friday, hailed the Federal Government for its action which has given a beacon of hope to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The umbrella youths organisation also saluted what they called the doggedness of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairman senate committee on local content, who has relentlessly championed the revitalization of the Federal Government-owned company.
It could be recalled that the Senator announced that the planned revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants would kick-off in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
This came after Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the builders of the Ajaokuta steel plant, Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE), for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).
According to Senator Natasha, “I would like to give credit to the president, who has committed extensive political will in ensuring that the Ajaokuta Steel Company has been connected with the original builders,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“A certain number of MoUs and agreements have been undertaken, and in the first quarter of next year, we are hoping that the Tyajz Prom Export, who are the original builders of the plant, will be on the ground to kick-start the revitalisation of the steel plant.
“That means we are setting ourselves, our country, strategically to begin to manufacture the core components and machines that are utilised in the oil and gas sector.”
Reacting in the statement signed by their President General, Comrade Terry Obieh, Vice President, Comrade Balarabe Rufai and National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Ethnic Nationalities Youth leaders praised the Senator’s dedication and unrelentless push which had given rise to the cheering news.
The group recalled that “we had a few weeks ago written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sad condition of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
“We also followed it up with another letter to both the EFCC and the ICPC, over the quantum of corruption in the same company.
“We are delighted that the Federal Government has marched words with the action with the MoU signing, which will herald the revitalization of the company.
“Also of note is the unquantifiable effort that has been put in place by Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has doggedly pressed every button to ensure that the company comes back to life.
“This what true representation entails; she is an example of a true voice of the people and deserves to be emulated by those who go to the National Assembly to warm seats.
“Despite being a first-time member of the Red Chamber, she has made indelible marks in the representation of her constituency, but Nigerians as a whole, as the Ajaokuta Steel Company is a national asset, which has the capacity of absorbing millions of unemployed Nigerian youths.”
They urged the Senator not to relent but sustain her push until the company resumes full operation by next year, 2025, as promised.
“The entire youths of this country hold the Senator in high esteem for championing this move, just as we laud Mr President for being a listening father.
“Be assured of our utmost support in any way possible to ensure the full realization of this noble project," the youth leaders further stated.