Natasha Woos European Investors To Kogi, Renews Call For Ajaokuta Steel Plant Revival

The visit, which featured engagements with local communities, artisans and cultural groups, provided an opportunity to explore potential economic and humanitarian partnerships while highlighting the commercial prospects of Kogi Central beyond its tourism attractions.

The diplomats visited historical landmarks in Lokoja, including Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti and the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, before proceeding to Kogi Central for cultural activities and interactions with residents.

The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, expressed optimism about the prospects for collaboration, describing Kogi as a state with considerable potential.

“Kogi is very rich, and we look forward to partnership,” Mengoni said, while thanking Akpoti-Uduaghan for facilitating the visit.

The engagement also offered the European diplomats an opportunity to experience the traditions, hospitality and entrepreneurial activities of the Ebirapeople, with particular emphasis on the potential of locally produced goods to attract investment and access wider markets.

Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, expressed satisfaction with the experience, particularly the hiking expedition around the historic hills of Ihima, commending the opportunity to explore the area’s landscape, culture and cuisine.

The programme, according to a statement by the senator’s media office on Monday, included a visit to Obeiba Hill, where the diplomats sampled traditional delicacies, including akara, apapa and akamu.

They also witnessed indigenous production processes, including shea butter and palm kernel oil extraction, black soap making, pottery and traditional Ebira cloth weaving.

The statement added that the masquerade performance further exposed the visitors to the cultural identity and artistic traditions of the community.

Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, praised the ingenuity of local artisans, particularly women engaged in pottery, traditional clothing and other indigenous crafts.

He said the products demonstrated the creativity and determination of the artisans, noting that their skills and enterprise could provide opportunities for economic growth, business development and access to larger markets.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the visit was intended to demonstrate the economic potential of Kogi Central and draw international attention to the skills, industries and entrepreneurial capacity of its people.

According to her, the district’s development prospects extend beyond tourism to include indigenous manufacturing, traditional crafts and other productive activities capable of generating employment and improving livelihoods.

“To attract investment, we must give people the chance to see our strengths for themselves: our skills, our enterprise, our culture and our people,” the senator said.

She disclosed that discussions with the diplomats covered investment and humanitarian opportunities, expressing hope that the engagement would produce practical partnerships with lasting benefits for residents.

The senator said such partnerships could create opportunities for women, young people, artisans and tourism operators while strengthening local enterprises and improving the commercial prospects of indigenous products.

However, the statement added, the delegation’s planned visit to the AjaokutaSteel Company Limited could not take place because access to the facility was not approved despite a written request.

The diplomats could only view the complex from outside its gates.