By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Senator Jibril Isah Echocho, has rolled out a wide-ranging empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening party structures, boosting grassroots economic activities, and supporting vulnerable groups across the district.
The ceremony was held at Ayangba on Wednesday.
At the event attended by party leaders, beneficiaries, and supporters, Senator Echocho distributed Sienna vehicles to All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen to enhance their mobility and coordination at the grassroots level.
In a similar gesture targeted at youth development, the senator also presented Keke Napep tricycles to APC local government youth leaders, describing the initiative as a means of promoting self-reliance, job creation, and sustained youth engagement in productive ventures.
To further support riverine communities, speed boats were donated to Bassa, Ibaji, and Idah Local Government Areas, a move expected to ease transportation challenges, improve access to markets, and enhance emergency response along the waterways.
Women were not left out of the empowerment drive, as grinding engines and sewing machines were distributed to support small-scale businesses and skills acquisition. According to the senator, empowering women economically remains a key strategy for reducing poverty and improving household welfare.
Other items presented during the programme included gas cookers and laptops, aimed at supporting domestic needs, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy among beneficiaries.
In addition, cash donations were given to widows, orphans, and the less privileged in society, as part of Senator Echochoâs commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
Speaking at the event, Senator Echocho said the empowerment programme was designed to complement government efforts and ensure that dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
âWe are here not just to support our party structures, but also to empower our people economically, socially, and politically. Every citizen deserves an opportunity to improve their livelihood,â he stated.
The senator also urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly and for the intended purposes.
He stressed that the empowerment drive was part of his ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and social equity across Kogi East.
Some of the beneficiaries spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to Senator Echocho.
One of the local government youth leaders, Comrade Yusuf Abdullahi, said, âThe Keke Napep will change the lives of many youths in our area. We are grateful for Senator Echochoâs commitment to youth empowerment.â
Similarly, a representative of women beneficiaries, Mrs. Halima Musa, said, âThe grinding engines and sewing machines will go a long way in boosting our small businesses.
This is a huge encouragement for women who have been struggling to provide for their families.â
Party leaders in attendance also lauded the senatorâs initiative. Hon. Musa Bello, an APC local government chairman, described the programme as âa testimony to Senator Echochoâs dedication to grassroots development and party unity.â
The event concluded with prayers for Senator Echochoâs continued leadership and guidance, with participants urging him to sustain the empowerment drive across all parts of Kogi East.
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