An industrialist, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, immediate past National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), and chairman of LUBCON, is largely regarded as the single largest employer of labour outside the government in Kwara State. Ibrahim who is a top contender for the gubernatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in this interview gives his perspectives on the contest.

As a successful businessman, what entices you to politics?

When I survey Kwara state, I see a state with abundant potentials that have not been fully utilized. People say the state is poor, but I see untapped potential. In LUBCON, we have been able to accomplish extra-ordinary things with ordinary people. Our products have accomplished international certification without a single expatriate staff. I believe that the same feat can be accomplished in Kwara State. Taking the state from 'good' to 'great.' I look at the hoards of unemployed youths, and the potentials lying waste; I look at poor rural dwellers surrounded by uncultivated land as far as the eyes can see, and I see untapped potentials for turning their lives and the economy of the state around. I have worked hard to build a successful business and I intend to deploy the wealth of experience that I have garnered in business to help shape the lives and fortunes of our youths and our children. I have been trying to do that in my business through grants, scholarships, youth empowerment initiatives and direct support to young entrepreneurs as well as employment opportunities but that is not enough. I know I can do more because you can never be comfortable in the midst of poverty as it is today in Kwara. So to improve the living conditions of our people is enough motivation for me.

How would you assess the economy under PDP and what are the chances of President Goodluck Jonathan winning re-election in 2015?

The country is experiencing a 7% growth rate which is one of the highest in the world. Foreign investors after careful assessment of the economic prospects of the country are coming into the country despite the negative image that some are wont to present of the country. The transformation Agenda and other programmes such as the power sector reforms are beginning to bear fruit, despite all the troubling security challenges that the country is faced with. Nigerians just need to be a little bit patient to see the full results, as the benefits of these initiatives do not become apparent overnight. The recent rebasing of our GDP, the first ever, is a commendable exercise that has helped to shed light on the true structure of the economy and contribution of various sectors to the entire GDP. This is an invaluable tool in correct policy formulation. Yes, there are challenges facing the nation; but the response of everyone of us should be joining hands and working together to take on the challenges. Every nation that is great today, passed through some rough patches in its history. We cannot afford to let Nigeria fail. There is no place in the world where 170 million people can run to - failure is not an option. The President, despite the security and myriad other challenges facing the country has continued to forge ahead; and we should give him our unwavering support and back him with our prayers because you don't change a coach in the middle of a match.

What is your party's position on the agitation of Kwara South where you come from, to retain power for another four years?

My party will conduct a delegates' election to decide who is the best person for the job. Yes, you are right that our people from the South are insisting that equity demands that the zone be allowed another 4 years in power. Am not aware of any binding agreement to that effect in our party; but don't forget that we have eminently qualified candidates from all the zones. We are consulting with our brothers and sisters from both the central and the North, if our zone wants to keep it for another four years, they have to work hard and convince the other zones. What remains important is for the best candidate that can deliver the state to emerge. The problems of the state's poverty, unemployment, underdevelopment cannot be zoned. They are all over the zones.

What is your plan for the state if you eventually become governor?

I was raised from very humble beginnings and would like to see a Kwara State in which people can aspire and attain to great heights no matter their background. A state where every child rises to the fullest of their potentials. A state where kwarans can participate in the political process without fear of retribution and where our votes will count.

Without going into too much details, our programmes revolve round the acronym of my name. JANI; J - job creation, A - agriculture development, N - natural resources exploitation and I - infrastructure development.

My dream for Kwara is a State where the mindset of the youths will be altered through re-orientation, empowerment, engagement and entrepreneurial development. The challenges are there but the solutions are equally there.