By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, on Monday empowered over 100 residents and commissioned six solar-powered boreholes across communities in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA). The empowerment initiative and borehole projects formed part of activities marking the commissioner’s birthday celebration. The interventions were aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to clean water in rural communities.
According to a statement from the media unit of Chief Asiwaju Asiru Idris, the solar-powered motorised boreholes were strategically located to ensure sustainability and uninterrupted access to potable water. The projects are expected to enhance public health, meet household water needs, and reduce the daily burden on residents, particularly women and children. Community leaders at the commissioning ceremony described the boreholes as a critical and long-term intervention that demonstrates responsive and people-centred leadership at the grassroots level.The water projects also set the stage for a large-scale Mega Empowerment Programme, alongside the inauguration of the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, which reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
A major highlight of the empowerment programme was the distribution of ₦50,000 each to hundreds of beneficiaries across the six wards in the southern axis of Yagba East LGA. Beneficiaries were drawn from artisans, traders, youths, grassroots supporters, and vulnerable groups.The cash support was designed to stimulate small-scale economic activities and improve household incomes within the local government area.Beyond the ward-based empowerment, Chief Asiwaju Asiru rolled out additional initiatives covering entrepreneurship development, party strengthening, women inclusion, and humanitarian support. These included ₦250,000 each to 35 business entrepreneurs in Yagba East to support small and medium-scale enterprises.
He also approved ₦15 million for APC ward and local government executives, as well as ₦1 million each for five APC women leaders in recognition of their commitment and leadership roles.Material donations made during the event included one bus to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yagba East Chapter, four vehicles to party stakeholders, and 10 motorcycles to aid grassroots mobilisation. Other items distributed were 10 deep freezers, 10 generators, 10 hair dryers, 10 clippers, and 10 branding machines.
As part of the humanitarian aspect of the celebration, the commissioner supervised the distribution of relief materials, including 1,000 wrappers and 1,000 bags of rice in 5kg and 10kg sizes. The items were shared among women, party faithful, and vulnerable residents across the communities.The inauguration of the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group was described by stakeholders as a strong signal of grassroots support for the continuation of the current administration’s policies and reform agenda.Dignitaries at the event included royal fathers, APC executives, political stakeholders, religious and community leaders, party members, associates, and friends of the celebrant
