Today, the good people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency join hearts to celebrate a man whose life and leadership have redefined representation and rekindled hope across our Local Government Area, Representative Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem (SEA). This birthday is not just a personal milestone, it is a collective celebration of purposeful leadership, uncommon dedication, and a transformative journey that continues to change the narrative of Ajaokuta.
Like the elephant in the wild, majestic, resilient, and impossible to ignore, SEA’s political stature is viewed differently depending on where one stands. To us in Ajaokuta, however, his impact is clear and unmistakable. From his early days as a disciplined civil servant who rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary, to his success as an entrepreneur and one of the largest employers of labour in Ajaokuta, SEA’s life has been a testimony of growth, vision, and service.
Answering the call of his people to restore the lost glory of Ajaokuta politics, SEA transitioned into the political arena with rare preparation and clarity of purpose. The overwhelming mandate he received, winning about 90% of votes across polling units and emerging victorious in 12 out of 14 wards, was a reflection of trust, confidence, and protective love from the people. It was a clear statement that Ajaokuta had found a leader it could believe in.
Since assuming office as the Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem has justified that trust through people-oriented leadership. His tenure has been marked by massive empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, farmers, traders, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. From ICT training and startup grants, to business tools, student grants, farm inputs, tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, and monthly stipends for aged citizens, SEA has consistently demonstrated that governance must touch lives directly.
Beyond empowerment, he has been promoting peace amongst the diverse clan of Ajaokuta, his compassion has reached churches, mosques, widows’ associations, women groups, farm centres, and remote communities. His visits during all festive seasons and at critical moments have reinforced a simple message; leadership is presence, empathy, and action.
His words, “Your burden is my burden,” are not mere slogans but promises repeatedly backed by tangible interventions.
Strategically, SEA has also fixed his gaze on the future of Ajaokuta as an industrial hub. Through collaboration with the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and alignment with federal initiatives, Ajaokuta is witnessing renewed industrial momentum, including the establishment of LNG projects, the Free Trade Zone, and key road infrastructure. This deliberate focus on industrialization lays the foundation for sustainable development, job creation, and increased investment.
Unsurprisingly, such growth attracts admiration from the masses and discomfort from detractors. While opponents attempt to downplay his achievements out of jealousy or political frustration, the people judge him by results. To them, SEA is rightly called a developmental warrior, a lord of empowerment, a champion of agriculture, an advocate of education through multimillion-naira grants, and a dependable benefactor whose generosity knows no clan, tribe, faith, or status. Lots of youths has been gainfully employed
As Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem marks another year today, Ajaokuta celebrates more than a birthday, we celebrate a visionary leader, a bridge-builder, and a tireless servant of the people. May this new year usher in greater strength, wisdom, and grace to continue the noble task of rewriting Ajaokuta’s story.
Happy Birthday, our political saviour. Ajaokuta is proud of you, and the journey continues.
– Abdulhameed Ivavah writes from Ajaokuta
