By Terna Chikpa
The immediate past Commissioner for Finance in Taraba State, Dr Jesse Adi Ashimate, on Thursday said his desire to become the senator representing Taraba South Senatorial District is to reshape the future of youths and attract income-generating infrastructure to the area.
Dr. Ashimate disclosed this while addressing journalists in Jalingo.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the former finance commissioner has purchased the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the senatorial seat representing Taraba South.
According to Ashimate, he will liaise with relevant Senate committees to attract income-generating infrastructure across local governments in the zone to boost youth empowerment, human development, and agriculture.
“My desire is to build the future of our people by attracting infrastructure that will serve as life-changing opportunities for them.
“I will encourage modern agricultural practices among farmers and create a steady market for their products by linking them with companies that need those products.
“I will open up rural access roads in the senatorial zone to ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets. I have a target of linking rural communities with towns and markets for easy accessibility and transportation of farm produce. These, I believe, will enhance connectivity between farmers and middlemen and also attract revenue for the entire Taraba State,” Dr. Ashimate said.
The Senate aspirant also stated that his youth-focused agenda would be based on long-term intellectual and capital investment, rather than cash handouts that only serve immediate but short-term needs.
“My youth-focused agenda will see the establishment of an ICT hub in the zone to train young people in ICT skills and empower women and youths generally with life-changing skills.
“I will build recreational centres to ensure that our youths become employers of labour rather than beggars seeking jobs or cash that may only serve immediate but short-term needs.”
Dr. Ashimate also pledged to work with stakeholders in the zone to promote peace and harmony among the diverse ethnic groups and end persistent banditry in the area.
“I want our people to understand that my decision to contest this election is not to enrich myself, but to ensure development that has been hampered by insecurity and the alarming rate of youth unemployment.
“I want my constituents to choose the path of building a greater future where the people can thrive.
“For a long time, people-oriented and people-centred representation has eluded the people of the zone. As someone who has maintained close contact with the people, I understand the problems and needs of the various ethnic groups in the zone.
“My primary responsibility as a lawmaker, if elected, will be to enact legislation that addresses these challenges, advances the development of the senatorial zone, and carries out oversight functions that promote good governance,” he assured.
The aspirant also pledged to improve the education and healthcare systems in the zone by attracting facilities equipped with digital learning tools and modern medical equipment.