By Ralph Omololu Agbana.
Amid high expectations from Kogi West constituents and national economic slides, Dr Toyosi Akure, founder, Toyosi Akure-BAO Foundation has described the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi as a leader who truly prioritizes the well being of his constituents, with a passionate plea for more support for the senator by constituents, to enable him to do more.
Dr. Akure spoke from his United States base after he paid a visit to Senator Karimi and wife, Stella Maris Karimi who are currently on a short holiday in America.
He appreciated senator Karimi for accepting to host his family within short notice saying the action attested to his respect for his constituents be it home or abroad. He noted that while the visit was a private one, Senator Karimi took his time to explicate tangible milestones on his tour of duty, signaling that Kogi West is in the hand of a well prepared and focused servant. Essentially, Akure said his biggest takeaway of the visit was the discovery that Senator Karimi was not alone in finding solutions within the ambit of the National Assembly to the myriad of social and economic challenges of Kogi West Senatorial District. He identified Mrs Stella Maris Karimi as the lawmaker’s biggest asset, as shown in the couple’s combined effort to navigate complexities and achieve desired goals.
Dr. Akure extolled the virtues Mrs Karimi for her various intervention efforts in the areas of health, education and other needs of individuals and groups in the various communities. He singled out her sustaned empowerment of women groups across the seven LGAs, which record dates back to pre-election.
He noted that with the willingness and cooperation of Kogi West people, Mrs Karimi’s behind the scenes contributions, workrate and compasion, combined with the dedication and commitment of her husband to the constituency, Kogi West, in no time, will witness transformation.
Akure listed outstanding performance of Senator Karimi within the first 15 months in the Nigerian Senate to inlude the N1.5bn secondary school remodeling project at Kotonkarfe, N5m for Kogi State University, Kabba Barracks security gate, N100m for students yearly bursary and another N100m small business scheme for women. Akure also pointed to the ongoing repairs of the abandoned Kabba-Egbe-Omuaran-Ilorin road, the self-financed Military Forward Base at Egbe and empowermentg scope that cuts across youth, women, students and every other members of the society, among sectors where Karimi has done tremendously well.
He disclosed that in their discussions, additional N50m empowerment scheme for women to be self-financed by Mrs Karimi, is on the way.
Dr. Akure said I Had the incredible opportunity to meet with Senator Karimi and his wonderful wife today (Saturday). Their shared passion for our community truly shines through in everything they do. Senator Karimi is dedicated to uplifting our neighborhoods and advocating for meaningful change, and his wife stands right by his side, equally committed to making a difference. Together, they embody what it means to serve with love and integrity. It’s essential to recognize the genuine care they both have for our communities. They listen, they act, and they inspire us all to come together for a brighter future. Let’s support leaders who truly prioritize our well-being.
Senator Karimi has made significant contributions to the welfare and human development of his constituents in Kogi West Senatorial District. He has paid hospital bills and school fees for those in need, showing his commitment to supporting individuals and families. His generosity also extends to providing foodstuffs during festive seasons such as Christmas, New Year, Sallah, and Easter, ensuring that his constituents are not left out during these celebrations.
Moreover, Senator Karimi has fulfilled his promise to commence a yearly student bursary scheme. This self-financed initiative will provide ₦100,000 to at least 100 students from Kogi West, helping to ease the financial burden of education and ensuring that the next generation has access to the resources they need to succeed. In the realm of community development and constituency projects, Senator Karimi’s impact is profound. His most notable effort is the construction of a self-financed military base in Egbe, which will enhance the security and defense infrastructure of the area.
During the 2024 Appropriation Act, Senator Karimi secured several water schemes in the budget aimed at providing clean water to all wards in Kogi West. His goal is to ensure that by the end of the financial year, no ward will lack at least one borehole. He is also committed to rehabilitating boreholes he previously sank in Yagba while serving in the House of Representatives.
Electricity supply is his another key focus. His plans to provide transformers to local communities, once the budget is fully operational, are expected to be delivered before November. This will significantly boost electricity supply in the region. Additionally, solar street lights have been installed in various communities to enhance security and lighting. Senator Karimi has also been active in improving the educational infrastructure in Kogi West. His plans include the construction of a National Open University (NOUN) study center in Yagba East Local Government Area and the renovation and construction of classrooms throughout the senatorial district.
In a major win for the region, he has secured ₦1.2 billion to transform a Secondary School in Kotonkarfe, making it the only school in North Central Nigeria to receive such a substantial upgrade under his leadership. Despite his numerous achievements, Karimi remains determined to do even more for his constituency. His unwavering dedication to the progress of Kogi West highlights his commitment to improving the lives of his people, and with the willingness, support and cooperation of constituents, his continued work will undoubtedly bring more developments to our senatorial district.
