The member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Ozigi Muhammad Tijani, on Saturday rolled out a massive constituency empowerment programme, distributing hundreds of items to beneficiaries across the constituency.
The empowerment package included tricycles (Keke NAPEP), motorcycles, cars, tractors, grinding machines, hair dryers, deep freezers, and industrial sewing machines, aimed at boosting small businesses, agriculture, and youth employment.
In his address, Hon. Tijani thanked God and paid glowing tribute to his political mentor and former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whom he described as his boss, father, and mentor.
“Many people call me his first son. To me, it is more than a title. It is trust, loyalty, and love. Aside from God, I would not be who I am today without him,” he said.
He added that the former governor had provided guidance, discipline, and fatherly support, stressing his unwavering loyalty:
“Come rain, come sunshine, I remain loyal. Call me any name you like, it will not change my conviction. I will stand behind him and watch his back with all my strength for as long as I live.”
The lawmaker also commended the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, whom he described as the Chief Servant of the State and a worthy successor to Yahaya Bello.
“We belong to one house built on unity, discipline, and loyalty. When the time comes again for your re-election, the world will see what unity looks like,” the lawmaker said.
He further praised the state party leadership, particularly the party chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, for sustaining the party’s dominance in Kogi.
Hon. Tijani noted that since assuming office, he had adopted a philosophy of impact over publicity, saying many projects were executed quietly.
He listed his interventions across the constituency to include: training youths and women in poultry, fishery, and soap production; empowering thousands of SMEs and artisans with startup capital; facilitating Federal Conditional Cash Transfers; awarding scholarships to hundreds of students; rehabilitating the Ageva Water Board; installing solar streetlights and transformers; providing boreholes in several communities; distributing fertilizers to farmers; constructing classrooms in schools; commencing a primary healthcare centre; distributing relief materials as well as facilitating federal employment opportunities.
“Leadership is about impact, not applause. Today you can see, hear, and feel the difference we have made together,” he said.
Describing the programme as a milestone, he said the empowerment initiative was “proof that democracy works, proof that leadership is about action, and proof that your votes matter.”
He assured constituents that a bigger phase of development was underway and called for continued unity and loyalty.
Hon. Tijani called for unity and prayed for God’s blessings upon the people of Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency.
“The journey is not over, the work is not done. But with loyalty, unity, and courage, there is nothing we cannot achieve together.”
The event was attended by royal fathers, the Chief Imam of Ebiraland, as well as some of his colleagues in the national assembly – Rep Danladi Suleiman Aguye and Rep Salman Idris.
Other dignitaries at event included former Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Momohjimoh Lawal, Aminu Sani Jaji, Aminu Ibrahim Kafur, state appointees, party leaders, political associates, and community stakeholders.
