By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a sweeping three-day tour across Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem (SEA), the Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, rolled out an expansive empowerment initiative aimed at transforming livelihoods and strengthening community development.

The visit, which ran from November 1 to 3, 2025, opened with the launch of a Mega Empowerment Programme targeting youths, women, farmers, traders, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

The lawmaker unveiled a mix of tools and opportunities: ICT training with start-up grants for young people, business equipment for market women, and financial assistance for vulnerable households. Motorcycles, tricycles, deep freezers, and farm inputs were distributed to stimulate economic activity and reduce hardship.

One of the standout announcements was a new stipend program that will provide ₦10,000 monthly to 200 elderly constituents. Hon. Abdulraheem described the initiative as “a defining moment in the journey toward economic emancipation,” calling each distributed item a “seed of prosperity” intended to encourage financial independence.

He credited Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating what he called a “supportive atmosphere for development,” referencing major projects including the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, the Eganyi–Ebiya Road, and LNG installations. He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing the developmental framework on which current efforts are being built. Traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and hundreds of beneficiaries attended the event, praising the lawmaker’s inclusive outreach.

“Food Relief, ATM Cards, and Humanitarian Partnership”

Day Two focused on humanitarian relief as Hon. Abdulraheem, working with Nigeria’s SEMA and NEMA agencies, supervised the distribution of food supplies across the constituency. He emphasized that he personally advocated for Ajaokuta’s inclusion in national relief programs.
“I represent everyone,” he told residents. “The food must reach all Ajaokutans.”

Elderly beneficiaries enrolled in the monthly stipend program also received ATM cards for streamlined disbursement. Community leaders hailed the gesture as an unprecedented step in local welfare support.

“Infrastructure Inspection and Community Engagement”

On the final day of the tour, the lawmaker inspected the ongoing renovation of the Ajaokuta Local Government Secretariat. Joined by Executive Chairman Hon. Haruna Ogido, he noted the building had not been renovated in more than three decades — since the early years of his own civil service career. He applauded Governor Ododo’s attention to infrastructural renewal and commended Ogido’s efforts in strengthening governance and security.

Later, he met with thousands of constituents from Geregu, Ajaokuta Village, Upake, and Adogu/Ogodo wards. Reaffirming his commitment to equitable representation, he said:
“For the past three days, I have been home with my people, listening, engaging, and distributing support. No community will be left behind.”

Residents representing various ethnic groups expressed appreciation for what they described as an unusually inclusive leadership style and pledged continued support.

“A Call for Continuity Ahead of 2027”

Closing the three-day outreach, Hon. Abdulraheem attributed the momentum in Ajaokuta’s development to the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo. He urged constituents to back their re-election bids in 2027, insisting that sustaining the partnership between state and federal leadership would ensure uninterrupted progress.