Dino Melaye, the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, has promised to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company to boost the state’s economic prospects if he is elected governor.

Melaye made this commitment while addressing his supporters at the PDP’s gubernatorial campaign kickoff in Ekene, Kogi state, on Tuesday.

He declared, “Kogi State is too rich to remain poor. We are committed to resurrecting Ajaokuta Steel with the help of the divine. Ajaokuta Steel was founded by the late Sir Sardauna Ahmadu Bello, who wasn’t from Kogi State or even the North Central region, yet he established Ajaokuta and Itakpe Iron Ore.”

“In our administration, we will exhaust all possibilities, and if necessary, work towards taking over from the Federal Government. During our tenure, Ajaokuta must operate at full capacity, and we will ensure the resurgence of Itakpe Iron Ore,” he emphasized.

The Kogi state gubernatorial election is scheduled for Saturday, November 11.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State participated in the PDP’s campaign launch. Saraki announced his presence via his social media account.

Melaye is one of the top three contenders in the race, alongside Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).