By Abu Micheal
Omala State Constituency has, arguably, witnessed a new dimension of legislative representation under Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly known as “Connect,” with supporters insisting that his performance deserves continuity beyond the 2027 general election.
Across communities stretching from Abejukolo to Bagana, Oforachi to Icheke, Ijaha to Alloma, and the Anyigba-Omala axis to the riverine communities, the lawmaker’s supporters say his interventions have brought government closer to the people.
According to them, the growing support for another term is driven by what they describe as visible constituency projects, empowerment initiatives and sustained engagement with the people rather than political rhetoric.
Hon. Umar Yahaya’s supporters point to his interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and community development as evidence of what they consider purposeful representation.
In education, he is said to have facilitated classroom renovations, provided learning materials and supported indigent students across the 10 wards of Omala.
His supporters also cite interventions in primary healthcare, including attention to health facilities in Abejukolo, Bagana and other communities, as well as medical outreaches and support for healthcare delivery.
The lawmaker has also been credited by his supporters with advocating and facilitating rural roads, solar street lights and water projects aimed at improving living conditions and connecting communities.
In the area of youth and women empowerment, the “Connect” movement says Umar Yahaya has sponsored skills acquisition programmes, provided starter packs and facilitated opportunities for Omala indigenes through government appointments and other interventions.
His supporters further maintain that he has remained involved in agricultural development by supporting farmers with inputs and advocating improved access to markets for agricultural produce.
Beyond physical projects, Umar Yahaya’s supporters highlight his engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and security agencies as part of efforts to promote peace and stability across Omala.
The lawmaker’s popular nickname, “Connect,” according to his supporters, reflects his approach to representation.
They argue that he has connected constituents with government agencies, communities with development opportunities and young people with empowerment programmes.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, supporters of the lawmaker have begun canvassing for his re-election, arguing that continuity would allow him to consolidate ongoing initiatives and pursue additional development programmes for the constituency.
They describe Umar Yahaya as an accessible representative who maintains regular contact with constituents and remains available to listen to their concerns.
According to the supporters, his presence across communities has also helped strengthen the relationship between the people and government, with constituents able to take their concerns directly to him for follow-up at the state and federal levels.
They further argue that effective representation goes beyond legislation to include oversight, constituency development and advocacy for the interests of the people.
For Omala, they contend, the choice before the people in 2027 should therefore be about consolidating what they describe as the gains of the current administration of representation.
“Another term for Hon. Umar Yahaya is not about one man. It is about consolidation. It is about completing projects, deepening impact and ensuring that the gains of today become the foundation for a greater tomorrow,” the article stated.
The supporters also called on the people of Omala to assess the lawmaker based on his record of accessibility, constituency engagement and interventions across the various communities.
They maintained that Omala State Constituency has, under Umar Yahaya, found what they described as a strong voice at the Kogi State House of Assembly, urging constituents to sustain that voice beyond 2027.
“Omala has found its voice. Let the voice continue,” the article concluded.
