From the inception of political developments in Kogi Central, the late Senator A.T. Ahmed stood at the forefront of activism and leadership, playing a pivotal role in unifying Kogi State as a political entity. His legacy was not built merely on political struggles, but on his humanity and inclusiveness. While in the Senate, he created opportunities for the people of Ebira land without bias, without tribal or class considerations, and without expecting loyalty in return. He was a leader who truly belonged to everybody and to nobody.
Even after his death, his legacy endures in the hearts of the Ebira people. It calls to mind the words of Aesop: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Sadly, Kogi Central has since suffered the weight of poor leadership and insincere representation. What we have witnessed in the years after A.T. Ahmed is a tragic fall from grace, leaders who were more of hyenas and lions, not fighting poverty or ignorance, but building hegemonies for personal gain.
Yet, in this bleak landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti has emerged as a shining exception. A first-time senator, she has faced her own share of persecution and political battles, reminiscent of the struggles A.T. Ahmed endured. But despite the adversity, she has not relented in her commitment to her people. In fact, she has surpassed expectations, outpacing every senator before her—not just in Ebira land or Kogi State, but across the North Central region.
Her development strides stand unmatched. The idea of a sitting senator building markets, not for personal gain but for public service, is unprecedented in Nigerian politics. Her empowerment schemes are not cosmetic giveaways; they are innovative, futuristic, and grounded in the realities of her constituency. While others settle for distributing wheelbarrows, cutlasses, and wrappers token gestures that insult the intelligence of the people. Senator Natasha equips youths with tools for tomorrow: music studios, drones, laptops, washing machines, and iPads for students. She is raising the bar, proving that empowerment must inspire independence, not dependency.
Moreover, she has facilitated employment opportunities for her constituents, proving her commitment to sustainable change rather than temporary appeasement. Without a doubt, if the late Senator A.T. Ahmed were alive today, he would be proud—proud that Natasha not only revived his legacy but has surpassed it. And perhaps, that is the ultimate dream of every father figure: for the next generation to exceed the foundations he laid.
Senator Natasha Akpoti is not just a political figure; she is a rebirth of true leadership in Kogi Central. In her, we see the reincarnation of A.T. Ahmed’s ideals: compassionate, inclusive, and unshakably committed to the people.
– Suleiman Lawal wrote from Okene.
