2015: PETER CHIESHE FOR GOVERNOR Stronger Economy, Wealth Creation & Jobs for All “THE BENUE MIRACLE” MY VISION AND BLUEPRINT FOR PROSPERITY IT’S TIME TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY Peter Chieshe is a Pharmacist: • Industrialist • Entrepreneur • Manufacturer • Farmer • Change Agent Peter Chieshe stands for: • Stronger Economy • Wealth Creation & • Jobs for All Youths Background Quotes, Excerpts and Sound Bites: “Peter Chieshe is a Change Agent, a Government House Outsider; an Entrepreneur, an Industrialist in politics of development and People Empowerment. Since 1987, he has involved in food processing; in Agro – Industry, Wealth Creation & Employment Generation – giving jobs to our youths. As we face mass poverty and growing youth unemployment today, we need leaders who will create wealth, create jobs to make poverty history and rebuild the lives of the people and the State. Peter Chieshe is the Leader. His strong record in this field makes him the most suitable candidate for Governorship come 2015.” “Peter Chieshe believes that, for any Government to deliver democratic dividends to its people, it needs a strong economy, a pro-people mindset and governing philosophy. A weak and dependent economy, frustrates both the Government and the people. It disempowers both the people and their government. That is why Peter Chieshe stands for a Stronger Economy for our Dear State.” “Peter Chieshe has a compelling vision and plan to build a strong economy - an economy that will last. An economy that will usher in a new wind of prosperity. He knows that we need a smart government to build a strong economy. A smart government is a product and function of Vision, effective strategy, leadership and competence. The overarching vision of the Leader and the Team he assembles to run his Government is critical for success. It sets the foundation for success or failure. Make no mistake about it; no state or nation can develop beyond the vision and competence of its Governor or President. It matters who the Governor is come 2015”. Like former US President Bill Clinton, Peter Chieshe believes that, we need both a Smart Government and a strong economy working together to restore prosperity and progress; to lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. Like the US President Barack Obama, Peter Chieshe also believes that our Government must Change course from its dependency pathway and tradition. He believes that change doesn’t come from Government House, but rather, Change is taken into Government House. MY MANIFESTO: THE BENUE MIRACLE - Part II UNVEILING MY VISION AND BLUEPRINT FOR PROSPERITY My Vision is Hinged upon Building A Strong Economy & A Prosperous Future Building A Strong Economy • Rapid Industrialization & • Agricultural Revolution These two Sectors hold the Key to our Future and Prosperity THE OBJECTIVE The objective of this vision and plan is: • To build an economy that lasts; • An economy that is not dependent on monthly allocations. • An economy that creates wealth and good-paying jobs for all; • An economy that distributes its wealth over the population; • An economy that gives meaning to the lives of the people. • A government and an economy that empowers the people, helping them to maximize their potentials. This is my motivation for running – to make a difference WHAT IS PETER CHIESHE’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE? On The ECONOMY • Peter Chieshe has a vision and plan to build a strong economy; • An economy that will last. • He plans to build a strong economy that will create wealth and generate good-paying jobs for all our unemployed youths. • He has a Big, Bold Vision and Plan for prosperity; A Plan that will transform Benue State into a REGIONAL BUSINESS & INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL HUB. HIS CARDINAL PROGRAMMES: A 7-Point Agenda for Prosperity. • Agricultural Revolution • Rapid Industrialization • Jobs for all our youths • Aggressive wealth creation • Direct people empowerment • Infrastructural development & • Rebuilding the lives of the people PETER CHIESHE’S GOAL • This document sets out to unveil my Vision and Plan for Prosperity for Benue State. But we must first ask: • “What kind of Benue do we want for ourselves, our children and for Nigeria?” • The Answer to this question is the background against which this Vision and plan for Prosperity is cast. • This Vision is essentially a Plan for Prosperity. It is a Plan to overcome the constraining obstacles to our progress. These pervasive obstacles frustrate both the Government and the People. • Overcoming these challenges is critical to our development. This vision & strategy answers the question and challenge. His Strategy To Build a Stronger Economy Hinged on: • Wealth Creation • Employment Generation • Rapid Industrialization • Agricultural Revolution • Putting Benue Back to Work • Creating a New Wind of Prosperity. HIS VISION FOR BENUE STATE • I See a New Wind of Prosperity Blowing over the entire Benue State. • I See Showers of Blessings falling upon the entire land and People of Benue. • I See a Powerful Wind of Industrialization ushering in a New Era of Prosperity. • I See Untold Agricultural Revolution, Massive Irrigation and Bumper Harvests. • I See a People living in Peace and Unity, Reconciled to one another. • I See a New Government with New Ways of Thinking and Doing Things that Benefit the People. • I See a People-Oriented Government. A Government that Empowers the People. • I See a New Leadership-A Servant Leadership-that Ministers to the Needs of the People. • I See a leadership that empowers the people to develop and maximize their potentials. • I See a People Restored in Prosperity, Peace & Unity. HIS MISSION Background I seek to be elected as your Governor come 2015 because, I have a clear understanding of the problems of our people and our dear State. And in answer, God has armed me with a very clear matching Vision for such a time as this. This vision speaks from the depths of my Soul where it is birthed. I have faithfully incubated it for many years; and developed the Requisite Blueprint & Roadmap to bring the vision to reality. You know from my Proven Antecedents, and with God on our side, that I have the capacity to do what I say - to make the vision come alive. My Mission when elected Governor, shall derive from this Vision. The world is fast changing at an unprecedented speed. Our Governments too must change. As your Governor come 2015, Peter Chieshe will be a Governor for all. I will seek... • To chart a New Course for Benue State and Usher in a New Era of Revolutionary Change for Good. • To answer the Twin problems of Mass Poverty and sky-rocketing Youth Unemployment. • To create Wealth & Employment Opportunities; so as to make Poverty History & give Jobs to all our Youths. • To change the way Government Thinks & Acts. Mine will be a Government with a New Vision, New Direction. • To run an open Government; a People-Oriented Government; an Entrepreneurial Government. Just Results! • To Transform Benue State from a Poor, Underdeveloped, Agrarian, Civil Service-Oriented State to an Industrialized and Prosperous State. WHO IS PETER CHIESHE? • Industrialist • Pharmacist • Entrepreneur • Manufacturer VITAL FACTS • A Silent Achiever. • Born Dec 13, 1960. • 1981 Graduate of ABU Zaria • Founder/President, NEWLAND GROUP • Silently Building Newland Foods Empire; Creating Jobs & Bringing Development through Industrialization with a Special Focus on Food Production & Agro - Processing since 1998. • The Man of Vision & Action • Seasoned by Adversity • Walks the Path of Peace, Love & Prosperity for All. • A Believer of: Politics of Development & People Empowerment. • The Wealth Creator & • The Job Creator • Who Walks the Talk 2015 PETER CHIESHE FOR GOVERNOR WHY I STAND • I stand because it’s time to do certain things, and to do these very things decisively and differently. These are things I am well equipped to deliver to the people. • There is a giant in the Land, a “Goliath” to be slain. This Goliath is the giant of poverty. The thrust of my candidature is to achieve the twin goals of: Eradication of extreme poverty and the achievement of share prosperity. • I believe its time to create wealth; to create jobs for all youths so as to solve the twin problems of mass poverty and rising youth unemployment. • I believe is time to make poverty history. • I have asked myself a few questions: “Why are we afflicted by the twin problems of mass poverty and ever rising youth unemployment? Why are we struggling with building a robust first class infrastructure?” • The answer is: The weak economy – a dependent economy; an economy so dependent on the dwindling monthly allocation from the Federation Account. • At 38 years of age, Benue State is still hooked on the Allocation from the “Federal Milk”. This is our tragedy and faulty economic development strategy. • The Solution? Our Government MUST CHANGE COURSE FAST. • We must look inwards come 2015 and break our dependence on this Federal Milk! • That is why I Stand. That is why I run for Governor – to make a difference; to impact my generation; to remove the shame, the distress, the reproach of poverty and unemployment. • I run to solve the twin problems of mass poverty and rising youth unemployment amidst a dwindling revenue allocation from the dependency on Abuja. • I run to break that unwholesome dependence on Abuja. How? • I run to BUILD A STRONGER ECONOMY. An economy built to last. An economy that answers to the needs of the times. • I run to industrialize Benue State. To create wealth and generate good – paying jobs for all our youths so as to make poverty history and give hope and that better life to all. • I shall marry Rapid Industrialization with aggressive wealth & job creation alongside AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION. • This shall cash in on our area of comparative advantage for which we are known. • The year 2015 is the set year for the real Democratic Change most of you have yearned for and fought albeit unsuccessfully in your own way from the last polls. It now comes on a platter of Gold, so I stretch out my hand to take the Baton of leadership from the incumbent. • As the new Captain of the Ship of the State, I shall reset the compass. I will CHANGE COURSE. • Its Time to Change Course. Yes Its Time. • Its Time to Industrialize; to create wealth; to create jobs for all our youths; to break our dependence on Abuja. • Its Time to build a strong economy. Yes Its Time. Yes we can. Its Time to build a Smart Entrepreneurial Government; a people’s government and a responsive government. Yes Its Time. Yes we can. • It takes a Smart Government to build a Strong Economy. Yes Its Time. • This is the turf of an Industrialist, a Manufacturer and Entrepreneur in politics of development and people empowerment. Yes Its Time. • Its Time to put Round Pegs in Round Roles; and Square Pegs in Square Holes. Yes Its Time. 2015: WHAT COUNTS • Make no mistake, 2015 is all about our Economy, Our Security & Our Future, isn’t it time to make Poverty history? • I believe its Time. • Its time to choose between CHANGE and the STATUS QUO. Yes Its Time. • Its Time to choose between CHANGE and CONTINUITY of the existing Tradition of dependence on Abuja Allocation. Defining My Person, My Candidature and My Positioning • Peter Chieshe is a CHANGE Agent from within the ruling PDP. He is a Pharmacist, An Entrepreneur, a Manufacturer, an Industrialist, a Government House Outsider. He comes into the race with a new Vision for a New Direction. He has a Vision and a Plan that matches the demands of the times. Peter Chieshe believes that our government must change course and break itself away from the present dependence on the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. He maintains that any aspirant for Governorship who talks about continuing on this path of dependence doesn’t get it right. The state cannot develop maintaining the status-quo. That is why Peter Chieshe stands boldly as the agent of change from within the ruling PDP. He says 2015 is the year set for the programmed constitutional democratic change. He positions himself as the change agent to succeed the incumbent H.E. Dr. GTS (CON) when he exits office at the expiration of his tenure. Our Security, Our Economy and Our Future • Our Security, Our Economy and Our Future are interconnected in powerfully reinforcing synergy. • Make no mistake, 2015 is all about your Economy, Your Security and our Future! • Come 2015, Peter Chieshe makes the building of a strong economy his focus. 2015: The Choice Before the People • 2015 is all about a choice between two things: CHANGE or CONTINUITY. • I stand as a Change Agent; to change course. • I stand for the rebuilding of the lives of the people. • I stand to build a Stronger Economy; to Create Wealth and Jobs for all our Youths. • Its Time to make poverty history • Its time to change course • Its time to industrialize Benue State • Its time to Sheath our swords and embrace Angbianev. It’s Time, Yes Its Time. “THE BENUE MIRACLE” -UNVEILING HIS VISION FOR PROSPERITY A Big Idea: A Bold Vision & A Big Dream - They Rule the World I have a Big Idea, a Bold Vision and a Big Dream for Benue State. This is a vision and plan for prosperity. It is a vision for a New Wind of Prosperity – “The Benue Miracle”. A Word About The Benue Economy as at is now: Its Weaknesses • It is a poor and weak economy • It is an economy depended on the monthly allocation from the Federation Account • It is a poorly developed agrarian economy. • Suffers Low business and industrial activity. • A weak private sector. • Widespread Poverty & unemployment. Its Strengths and Opportunities • Stupendous Natural Wealth. • Benue is a Natural Resource – Rich State. • Holds Vast Economic opportunities for manufacturing, agriculture and agro-industry. • Enviable location, land, resources and business friendly people – a dynamic people. • Favourable weather. We are the envy of those who know the tremendous natural wealth we sit upon. Building a Stronger Economy BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY: - BUILDING FOR PROSPERITY Learning from the Example of CHINA • A few decades ago, China was a nation of poor illiterate peasants. • Its economy is a classic example of State Capitalism. • It embarked on wide-ranging economic reforms in 1978. • The government began massive investment in infrastructure, heavy industry and light industry instead of just exports. • The Country adopted policy similar to the export-led Asian Tiger Economies such as Singapore South Korea & Malaysia. • It allowed itself to be used as a key manufacturing Hub for multinationals while focusing on foreign trade as a key driver of growth. • Economists have narrowed China’s massive growth to two key areas: AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRY. • Today China has taken over 700m o its people out of poverty! It’s Time. • Its Time to make poverty history. Yes Its Time. • This is the Economic Template I desire to customize and implement when voted into office as Governor. • The Government of Peter Chieshe will take this path. However, Government will build Business with intention to divest and hand over to the private sector. • Benue State shall become a manufacturing and regional business Hub. • We shall strategize on PPP and other delivery templates. BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY Building A Strong Economy • Agricultural Revolution & • Rapid Industrialization These two Sectors hold the Key to our Future and Prosperity My strategy for rapid economic development lays emphasis on massive growth in two key areas: Agriculture & Industry. • These two sectors represent our greatest areas of comparative advantage. • When developed, these sectors will be the main Drivers of our economic growth and prosperity. A strong economy empowers its government and people. It leads to a higher standard of living and welfare EMPLOYMENT GENERATION: JOBS FOR ALL YOUTHS Peter Chieshe is very deeply concerned over the rising youth unemployment; and he will not be satisfied until all our youths have good- paying jobs. That is why he plans to Diversify, Expand and Grow the economy deliberately away from its present dependence on the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. • The Goal of my Vision is to create job opportunities for all our youths who are today without jobs. • Building a Strong Economy lays the foundation for achieving this objective • A Strong Economy creates wealth alongside employment opportunities. • It is my plan to build an economy that guarantees good-paying jobs for all our youths. • Its time to do just that. Yes Its Time. • My Vision and Blueprint for the Economy aims at ushering in a new wind of prosperity. This new wind of prosperity will blow away poverty from the land and restore our joy and dignity in the comity of states. • My cardinal objective and policy thrust is to make poverty history; to improve the standard of living of the people; to offer a living HOPE for a better future to majority of our people who are now wallowing in extreme poverty, sinking in the quagmire of despair. • Its time to make Poverty History. Isn’t it Time? I strongly believe its time. Yes its time. Yes we can. “When elected into office as Governor, the government of Peter Chieshe shall pursue an economic liberation policy of rapid industrialization; aggressive wealth and job creation strategies with emphasis on Cement Manufacturing; Agricultural Revolution; robust food processing and Agro-allied Industry” - PETER CHIESHE Pharmacist, Industrialist, Manufacturer BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY. • Building a strong economy is a critical necessity and an incumbent obligation of government. I realize that to develop and make poverty history, we must build a strong economy. A dependent economy such as we now have, cannot deliver the desired democracy dividends satisfactorily. Do not get me wrong, this is not a government bashing comment. It is reality talk and the government knows that it is hamstrung. • To build a strong economy, you must have a smart government. Only a smart entrepreneurial government can successfully build a strong economy for its people. • I have a vision and plan to build exactly such a strong economy; an economy built to last; an economy that creates wealth and generates good-paying jobs to all our youths. • I have a vision and plan to build this strong economy that will roll-back the shame; roll back the humiliation; roll back the reproach and the distress of poverty on our people. • I make bold to state that this election is about electing a governor who understands that the economy is the central issue of the election. The poor state of our economy is the root cause of the twin problems of mass poverty and rising youth unemployment. • It is the reason our government is hamstrung in its capacity to develop at the pace it desires. So in effect, this election is more about our future than it is about just being Governor. Only a strong economy can guarantee a higher standard of living for the people. • The poor economy is the reason the educational system of the state is crawling, spewing out low class graduates. It is the reason our primary school Teachers are staying away from the classrooms. • We certainly cannot go on this way. We must change course and build a strong economy. But how do you do that? • The Vision I have is hinged upon building such a strong economy. An economy that is free from the present dependence on the monthly allocation from the Federation account. Breaking our Dependence on the Monthly Allocation From the Federation Account. • Do you know that even Saudi Arabia, the Number one Oil Export has taken her wealth beyond oil? • This rich oil Country knows the danger of dependence on oil. • It has diverted its economy away from oil. • Since the early 1980s, Saudi Arabia embarked on Industrialization. It has built two industrial cities: Yambu and Jubail. These house over 4000 industries (including petrochemicals) which are enough to see her through the future in the absence of oil. • Today, despite her position, as the number one oil exporter, Saudi Arabia does not depend on her oil for survival. • Benue State is not an oil state, yet we are so dependent on oil revenues which constitute the bulk of the Federation Account on which we so rely. • With dwindling allocations, our fate suffers. • I believe its time to change course and break from this dependence. • Our true wealth is not in Abuja, but comes from harnessing natural wealth. It time to change course. Yes Its Time. Diversifying The Economy • When elected Governor, my administration will DIVERSIFY, EXPAND AND GROW the Benue economy deliberately away from the present dependence on dwindling Revenue streams from the monthly allocation (proceeds) from the Federation Account. I have a vision and plan to break our dependence on this monthly “MILK” from Abuja. • This dependence blind us, it is a delusion. It robs us of the greater economic opportunities available to us within the state. It is a diversion of our focus away from our real wealth, the wealth of our stupendous and vast natural resource endowment – which remains unexploited. Putting Benue State Back to Work • Under my Administration, Benue State will harness its natural wealth and prosper. • When elected, the government of Peter Chieshe will return the people (and state) back to work, back to productive enterprise. • Together, we shall put our hands on deck, to build a productive economy. We shall together sweat out our prosperity under a new wind of prosperity. • My government will favor the spirit of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise. AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION “My Vision aims at unlocking the vast economic potentials of the Agricultural Sector to generate wealth, to create jobs and ensure food security for the State and for Nigeria.” - Peter Chieshe For Benue State, any meaningful economic development plan or strategy must be hinged on unlocking the potentials of the Agricultural sector. • When I am voted into office, my administration shall change the face of Agriculture. Yes it will change. • Agriculture will change from mere subsistence practice to real business. • Benue State will do best, just what it needs to do. • Large-Scale Commercial Agriculture will be the order of the day. • As the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue will feed her people, feed Nigeria and export surplus food to earn foreign exchange. • Its time for Agricultural Revolution in Benue State. Yes it Time. Yes We can. • When voted into office as Governor, Benue State will regain its status as the Food Basket of the Nation. • Benue shall be the rice bowl of Nigeria. • You will see modern large-scale agriculture covering thousands upon thousands of hectares of farmland under cultivation. • You will see agricultural Aircraft flying over farms, spraying farm chemicals. • You will the best quality rice and other food products on sale all over the world and marked “Made in Benue State Nigeria”. • Come 2015, the wind of agricultural revolution shall bring lasting prosperity over the land. • Agriculture shall open up tremendous opportunities for wealth creation, employment generation and overall food security for the people. • Benue State shall be restored to its original status as the Food Basket State of the Nation ANIMAL HUSBANDRY • The lessons we have learnt from the attacks of the Fulani herdsmen are deep. It makes good sense for our state to plan ahead. • My Vision incorporates a radical move for our people to embrace modern methods of Animal Husbandry as a core business that will supply the protein needs of our people. • We shall encourage animal husbandry and introduce into the Nigerian Market, Exotic Breeds of Cattle like the American’s Texas Bull. • Our people shall be trained and supported to rear them under modern breeding methods. RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION • The pursuit of Rapid Industrialization Strategy shall be the policy thrust of my Administration when I am voted into office. • Manufacturing the world over is foundational to the building of a strong economy. • Industrialization utilizes and exploits the natural resources of the state and converts them into high quality products for economic growth. • It is a potent vehicle for wealth creation, job creation and improving the standard of living of the people. • To develop, Benue State must industrialize. • To build a strong economy, Benue State must industrialize. There is a direct relationship between the level of industrialization of a state or country and its level of development. The industrialized countries are the developed countries. The words “Industrialized” and “Developed” are used interchangeably. • Manufacturing is a fundamental activity in the socio-economic development of any nation or state. It is an effective and potent vehicle for development. Industrialization utilizes natural resources to create wealth and good paying jobs. It generate employment opportunities for the people. Our industrialization drive will focus on utilizing our abundant raw material resources in the solid minerals and agricultural sectors where we enjoy a decisive comparative advantage. E.g. Cement Manufacturing, Aquaculture, Food Processing and Agro-Industry. We shall emphasis investments in our Labour – intensive industries and export processing. MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS. • The SMEs shall be the corner stone of industrialization, wealth and job creation strategies. • To this end, we shall promote the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Industrial Clusters within the state. • Such industrial clusters shall be provided with the necessary critical supporting infrastructure like power, road network etc. HARNESSING OUR NATURAL WEALTH: CEMENT MANUFACTURING: If given the mandate as governor, Benue State will return to its original status as a leading Cement manufacturing state in Nigeria. We lost Benue Cement Company, BCC, but we can and we shall build newer, bigger and more technical efficient factories. • Do you know that the entire Benue State sits atop large deposits of high grade limestone used in cement manufacturing ? • Do you also know that apart from agriculture, cement manufacturing alone can change the fortunes of Benue State? CEMENT MANUFACTURING IS A GOLDMINE! My Government will exploit this great resource and prosper! We shall build again, new cement factories under proper and appropriate ownership and management for long- term sustainability and profitability. FACTS WE NEED TO KNOW: • Do you know that in year 2012 Dangote Cement Plc made a turnover of over N285.45billion selling just cement? • Do you also know that in its latest financial report for year 2013, Dangote Cement posted a total annual sales of N386.2billion and Profit After Tax of N201.9Billion? These figures speak! Shall we not hear? ENERGY: INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLY PROJECT • The provision of critical infrastructure such as power supply is essential in driving a productive and industrial economy. Inadequate power generation and supply has been a major factor responsible for frustrating Nigeria’s industrialization drive. • To solve this problem, our economic development plan provides for the design and construction of an independent power plant (IPP) that will take care of the needs of the state. • Such a power plant shall be designed and constructed as a captive power plant. • It is envisaged that the plant shall be a Thermal Power Plant and it shall utilize the abundant coal deposits available within the state. Feasibilities studies may also be conducted to see the viability of a gas-fired plant. • There is a relationship between the economic development of a state and its power generating capacity. Power generation capacity and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a State are interrelated. TURNING BENUE STATE INTO AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING HUB Investment Promotion and Economic Development ESTABLISHING A FREE TRADE ZONE (FTZ) AND REGIONAL BUSINESS HUB IN BENUE • The dominant theme under my vision and strategy for building a strong economy; an economy built to last -is the establishment of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) or Regional Business Hub, in Benue State. This FTZ is sometimes called Free Port. But what is it? • Free Trade Zone is an agent of industrialization and employment generation. A Free Trade Zone is by nature an economic establishment that creates a cluster of medium and large scale industries in diverse sectors of the economy. Investing in this FTZ will boost Wealth creation; employment generation and economic development. This is the objective of the proposed Benue Free Trade Zone and Regional Business Hub. • It is a special designated economic area within which goods and raw materials may be landed, handled, manufactured and resold or re-exported without intervene of the local Custom authorities. • Free – trade – zones provide labor-intensive manufacturing centers that may involve the import and supply of raw materials or components and export of finished goods. • Free Trade Zones help in promoting international trade and such a facility will enable the state to increase its foreign exchange earnings in exports. In addition, tremendous job opportunities are also available at free trade zones, decreasing unemployment rates. Another interesting feature of this Regional Business Hub and FREE TRADE ZONE is that, it will come with the construction of first class infrastructure and export processing facilities. This will enable us market Benue State and our products. • To develop, we must open Benue to the world and the world to Benue. This is why I strongly believe and insist on a leadership that will make socio-economic development the front burner issue or state policy thrust. • With due respect and recognition of the efforts of our past governments, we haven’t put our feet on the winning pathway! • I seek to do just that through the Big Bold Vision for Prosperity. Making Benue State a Regional Business and Investment Hub is just the right thing to do. This will spur economic development as manufacturing and internal trade will flourish bringing jobs and creating wealth. We must industrialize and exploit our natural wealth. It’s time to change course. BREAKING OUR DEPENDENCE ON THE MONTHLY ALLOCATION • My vision is hinged on building a strong economy free from dependence on monthly allocation from the Federation Account. • I seek to diversity, expand and grow the Benue economy away from the present dependence on Allocation from Abuja. • Establishing a Free Trade Zone in Benue will spur economic development, wealth creation and employment generation. I seek to build on this success Template. • A strong economy delivers jobs, a higher standard of living and better future for all. The future belongs to you and your children. Lets plan for it know. IT’S TIME. • The world over, Free Trade Zones are fundamental stanchions of modern day economies. They have undoubtedly proven to be very viable economic projects that have dramatically transformed the economies of many third world countries. • Today, we have over 3000 of such FTZones scattered all over the world. From Hong Kong to Dubai to Singapore, many nations have reaped tremendous economic development successes from this unifying economic model that continues to serve as a good model or template for many a third many third world or developing nation or state. • With the ever dwindling monthly allocations from the Federation account, Benue state must strategize and craft new economic development plans that break the dependence on these allocations from the centre. Its time to “wean” the state after 38years of dependence on these allocations from the Federal “milk”. Its Time. Yes Its Time. Former US President once remarked: IS THE ECONOMY STUPID? Defining the Benue problem • I have analyzed and trumpeted time and again that the core issue, or the major root cause of the Benue problem is hinged upon the weak economy- a POOR AND DEPENDENT ECONOMY. • This dependence manifests as; the mass poverty, and the ever – rising youth unemployment, from which all the other issues of; deviant behavior, crime and social decay spring. • Benue State is not an oil state, yet it depend heavily skewed in favor of the oil-producing states – through a revenue sharing formula that deliberately tilts in their favor. Interestingly, even the oil producing states like Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa and Rivers are now diversifying and investing in free trade zones. • This dependence makes the state hamstrung in its capacity to undertake major economic development projects. Building a first class in fracture in a critical foundation in the development process. • This require heavy investment in long term assets like first class roads, highways, bridges, power generating plant and numerous other social infrastructural projects. An economically weak state cannot undertake and fund these projects. More so when such an economy is a dependent one like Benue State. • The current crises (of attack by insurgents, mass poverty and rising unemployment), we face call for strategic thinking in areas that will move the state forward and fast-track the socio-economic development of our people and state. NEED TO PURSUE A LEAP- FROG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY • We should pursue a leap-frog strategy of economic growth and development. Gradualism wouldn’t work for us. We don’t have the luxury of time. No, we don’t. Not in the face of mass poverty and rising youth unemployment. We must leap-frog to prosperity. Its time. Our natural resource endowments have become the envy of not a few powerful foes. To the extent that we are brutally killed, brutally decimated in cold genocide – to pave way for them to take over our natural wealth. We must strategies to take control and harness or exploit the wealth for the common good. BUILDING FIRST CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE • Building a First Class Infrastructure is a continuum. • We shall build upon the solid foundation already laid by the incumbent governor particularly in the area of the critical infrastructure in which his government has invested heavily. • Our special appreciation to him in this noble pursuits. WATCH OUT FOR THE COMING BENUE MIRACLE • I run for Governor because, I want to make a difference. • You heard of the Asian Tigers and the East Asian economic miracle. • You will hear of the Benue Miracle! A BIG IDEA; A BIG BOLD VISION AND DREAM • Peter Chieshe has a Big Bold and Ambitious Vision and Plan to Diversify, Expand and Grow the economy deliberately away from its present dependence on the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. • I have a plan to industrialize Benue, and to build a strong economy; an economy that creates wealth and generates good – paying jobs for our youths. To develop, Benue must industrialize. • This is a cardinal policy objective when am voted into office. I plan to change the status of the state by creating within Benue State, a Free Trade Zone, A Regional Business and Investment Hub. • Its time to Industrialize. Yes Its Time. Big Ideas, Big Vision and Big Dreams Rule the World. 2015 – Our Security; Our Economy and Our Future. Yes Its Time. PROMOTING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE BUILDING A DYNAMIC INDIGENOUS PRIVATE SECTOR BUSINESS CLASS. • The private sector shall be the engine of growth. But where is the Private Sector in Benue? • Unfortunately, years of a public-sector dominated economy have prevented the development and emergence of this class. • I desire to build, nurture, grow and develop and indigenous private sector business class. • When voted into office as Governor, I will ensure that this group is groomed, supported and positioned to act as the real engine of growth for our economy – as partners with the government. • The Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) they own and operate, power the economies of most nations. The absence of this class of people explains why Benue State has no jobs outside the few provided by the Government or public sector. • It explains why we do not have middle class. • My administration shall build, enable, facilitate and help the private sector to grow, to create jobs and generate wealth. EMPOWERING PEOPLE • We shall empower the people and help them to maximize their potentials. • By allowing the private sector to thrive, this vision creates opportunities for employment generation and wealth creation. • It opens up doors of opportunities to majority of the people. • These measures will enable the people to tackle poverty head-on. • Benue State has all it takes to become the strongest economy in Nigeria if it will harness its human and material resources properly. EDUCATION WE shall overhaul the entire educational system and reposition it to meet the demands of the 21st Centurys knowledge - based economy. Education is a fundamental building block in our socio- economic development. First class education and curriculum in relevant fields like science and technology and entrepreneurship shall be put in the front burner. No more shall we waste our manpower by acquiring degrees we may never find useful engagements. We desire to make Education free at the primary levels. My Administration shall invest heavily in the educational sector so as to produce an educated workforce with higher productivity to grow our economy. These are simply statements that define the broad strokes. A detailed technical team will sit to produce a more detailed blueprint in all the areas and sectors mentioned above. SECURITY • The security of lives and property shall be paramount. I realize that it is the primary role, duty, essence and constitutional obligation of the Government to protect lives and property of its people. • I also realize that no government can develop its people, state or nation without peace and security within its borders. Socio-economic development itself can only thrive under the conducive atmosphere of peace and security. • Towards this objective, and realizing that the governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state, I shall pursue a proactive security policy and strategy when elected. • Our government shall work very closely with the Intelligence Agencies and the Federal Government’s Military and Security forces to prevent any insurgencies such as the recent attacks by the Fulani Herdsmen. Establishment of Grassroots Community Policing Outfit. • In order to complement the role of the Federal Government on security matters, we shall seek to introduce a grassroots community policing outfits. These outfits are sometimes referred to as Vigilante Groups. • Under this policy, we shall establish legitimate grassroots policing outfits to be charged with keeping watch over the state right at the grassroots level. • We shall employ, train and deploy our able-bodied young men and women for such purposes. In this way, our government shall also be creating job opportunities for our teaming pool of unemployed youths. This outfit shall in no way act to supplant the nation’s security machinery or apparatus. Under the law, persons or citizens have an unalienable right to life. A people must not submit to an ignoble abdication of the rights to self defense. How will this Vision be Financed? • It is envisaged that this ambitious vision will be financed from a variety of sources including Public Private Partnerships. • Government will curb waste by plugging all leakages in public expenditure and expanding sources of revenue. • The Government shall mobilize foreign and domestic sources to harness and exploit the stupendous natural resources of the state to create lasting wealth; to build an economy that lasts. • The proposed economic model is attractive and will elicit Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) to boost the local economy. Making Benue State a Manufacturing Hub is worth the while. GOVERNANCE ISSUES On Corruption: • My Government will have zero level tolerance for corruption. • But don’t get me wrong! My government will reward hard work and open up tremendous opportunities for you to grow rich beyond your imagination. • By opening up the economy and encouraging the spirit of enterprise, and wealth creation, many will prosper and earn legitimate incomes and build their wealth in justifiable endeavors. Other Issues: • An Open Government • I offer to run an open government • A People Oriented Government • A Government that is Accountable to the People Concluding Remarks This is basically my Broad vision and plan for our prosperity and a secure future. It seeks to make poverty history by building a strong economy. An economy that will be built to last. An economy that creates wealth; generates employment opportunities for our youths and improves the peoples welfare and general standard of living. I have only drawn the skeleton. The Meat or Flesh shall be built by a core team of professionals into a concise, practical Blueprint for action. In effect, this is a Work- in - progress Document. Any omissions or inadequacies shall be perfected in due course This Vision will not amount to anything if you the electorate do not vote me into office as your Governor come 2015. Make no mistake about it, 2015 is a choice between: Change in Direction of Government & Maintenance of the Status Quo. Peter Chieshe stands for Change. Its Time to Make Poverty History Its Time to Change Course. 2015: PETER CHIESHE FOR GOVERNOR • Stronger Economy • Wealth Creation & • Jobs for All Youths Thank You For Your Kind Attention
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 11:15:49 +0000
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