By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has commended the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Rep. Leke Abejide, for disbursing N710 million in project grants to 71 communities across Yagbaland.In a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja, Fanwo described the initiative as “historic and transformational,” noting that it reflects a strong commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance. According to him, the intervention is expected to stimulate rapid community-led development and deliver tangible benefits at the local level.
Fanwo said the grants would empower communities to execute projects tailored to their immediate needs, adding that the approach promotes ownership, accountability, and sustainability. He noted that each of the 71 communities received N10 million to fund locally driven projects.
The commissioner also praised Abejide’s contributions to security in the area, citing support for logistics and the deployment of technology to strengthen safety efforts. He described the interventions as evidence of decisive leadership focused on protecting lives and property.“This is how to represent a people—thinking development, security, and progress,” Fanwo said. He added that Abejide has maintained close collaboration with the Kogi State Government to enhance security not only in Yagbaland but across the state.
Fanwo further stated that Abejide’s actions demonstrate a non-partisan commitment to public welfare. “Though he is not yet in our party, he did not politicise the welfare and security of his people,” he said, stressing that performance should remain the primary معيار for political support. He pledged continued backing for the lawmaker beyond 2027, asserting that effective representation should be rewarded. “We do not replace performance. We will do everything within our power to ensure that this man emerges as our party’s candidate in 2027,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner described Abejide’s approach as holistic, combining development initiatives with security interventions to deliver measurable outcomes. He added that the lawmaker’s engagement with communities has helped to redefine representative democracy by prioritising results over rhetoric.Fanwo urged residents of Yagba to sustain their support for Abejide, noting that the grants mark a significant step toward resetting expectations for constituency representation. He said the initiative has set a benchmark for community-focused development interventions by elected officials.
Rep. Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency, disbursed the N710 million on Wednesday. The funds were allocated evenly, with N10 million provided to each of the 71 communities to execute projects identified through local consultations. Observers say the scale of the intervention is among the largest single community grant initiatives in the constituency and could have a multiplier effect on local infrastructure, livelihoods, and social services if effectively implemented.
