Today Monday 3rd June, 2019, the Sixth (6th) Kogi State House of Assembly will be winding up its legislative activities. Just like it is written in the scriptures – Everything that has a beginning has an ending. It is with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude to God that I’ve been able to carry out judiciously, the mandate repose on me by the people of Ankpa 1 state constituency from June 2016 – June 2019.
As the 6th Assembly winds up, I have all been privileged and honored to be entrusted with the task of representing my constituency in the last three years. How time flies!
The last three years have been defining for our dear constituency – Ankpa 1 in many aspects. After so many court litigations, I took over the mandate to serve my people in 2016, and we hit the ground immediately with our templates and plans. It wasn’t an easy task, because after so many challenges, there were expectations from people and you are duty bound not to fail. We also have to prove to the people that, we are ready for business and that is effective representation, and Gods willing, within a short time, we have successfully met Ninety percent of our target. Glory be to God Almighty.
Let me in all modesty say that in the 6th Assembly, I have achieved some measure of success in the areas of the number of bills i sponsored that were passed, motions moved, in our oversight functions and in other legislative duties. Some landmark bills sponsored by me include but not limited to;
1. A Bill for a law to establish Kogi State Youth Development Commission and other matter connected therewith 2018
2. A Bill for a law to ensure full integration of people living with Disability, eliminate all forms of discrimination and establish Kogi state disability commission to ensure their inclusion into the society, 2018.
3. A bill to for a law to make provisions for the establishment of Celuke College of Health and Technology, Ojiapata.
The Kogi State Youth Development Commission was passed by the Assembly, and signed into law by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello; making it the first in history, a private member bill to be signed into law.
I also moved so many motions on the floor of the house, calling the attention of the State Government to critical needs of my people. Some of the motions include;
1. Motion calling on the state government to review the awarded Ankpa Township Road by the immediate past administration of Capt Idris Ichala Wada to be re-awarded. Today, the Ankpa Township road is motorable, thanks to Governor for hearing to our pleads.
2. Motion calling on the state government to intervene in the high rate of insecurity in the state.
3. Motion calling on the state government to direct the ministry of water resources to tackle urgently the challenges of inadequate water supply in Ankpa local government area.
4. Motion calling on the state government to as a matter of urgency intervenes in the operations of Ankpa Zonal Hospital and to make it functional.
5. Motion calling on the state government to rehabilitate, equip and ensure efficient functioning of vocational and Technical Colleges in Kogi State.
6. Motion calling on the state government to begin construction of Abache-Okenyi-Ojibogo-Ejinya Efofe-Aguyaya road in Ankpa Local Government Area
7. Motion: A call to “Action” to begin sensitization and immunization against Hepatitis C as it affects other states.
8. Motion calling on the state government to rehabilitate Community Grammar School, Opulega-Ankpa LGA. And so many others.
These are motions and bills that target the welfare of the common people.
In terms of project execution, I and my team set out a six point agenda and by the special grace of God, we have lived up to the expectations of people in the last three years. Though, there is still more to be done.
We hit the ground identifying some of the major needs, and that leads to the flag off of one of the biggest water project ever – Operation water for all. These project targets rural communities in my constituency who are in dire need of water. We have successfully commissioned over forty (40) water projects, about Twenty (20) projects are completed waiting for commissoning, and so many ongoing water projects which, we will soon mobilize our contractors to complete them once there is fund.
We also flag off an empowerment programs for widows and less privileged
We introduced a Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Scheme which we enrolled over 200 youths into various fields of their choices such as Tailoring, ICT/Computer Engineering, Fabrication Engineering, Event management, Hair making/dressing, etc (Women) etc.
In providing Basic/Social amenities, we did a lot of rehabilitation and building of schools, health care centers, markets, and also rehabilitated some abandoned government projects which of course are beneficial to the people.
In Education, we set out a project called Back to School Education Support Initiative. We gave scholarship to over fifty (50) beneficiaries from Primary school, Secondary school up to university level. The list is endless.
In spite of the difficult political and economic climate within which I worked and despite the lean resources and our own internal challenges, I can say, I end the Sixth Assembly convinced that I represented Ankpa One (1) constituency well with the most noble of intentions and to the best of my abilities.
If there is one lesson to be learnt in this institution, it is that, you are good as a result of the progressive minds around you. I acknowledged, with humility and gratitude the cooperation of other distinguished honorable members, the staff of KGHA, and the tireless work of my team who gave me their utmost best.
Thank you for also voting me back to represent you again. Whatever our achievements are, we are yet to attain our goal. It is a matter of time; we will get there together.
Signed; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed
Deputy Majority Leader & Member representing Ankpa 1 Constituency, KGHA.
