Audu Yahaya Okumoh, an educational aide to Governor Yahaya Bello, has donated 600 bags of 10kg rice to Okengwe people in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State to mark this year Democracy Day.
Okumoh who holds the political advisory position as Permanent Member 1 in Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said the donation was part of his oversight political responsibilities to make his people at the grassroots to feel the impact of democracy.
He said apart from marking this year’s celebration, the handout was purposely made to bring succour and make life easy for the people in the ongoing Ramadan.
The SUBEB Permanent Member 1, explained that his decision to share food item to his people was borne out of his sincere desire to touch lives, adding that the holy month of Ramadan which coincided with the occasion was also a month to always show love and kindness to people.
Hon. Okumoh called on the people to form a stronger bond of love, unity, and support for one another, in order to ensure lasting growth and development of the area.
While reacting to questions from journalists on Nigerian democracy, he noted that leaders at all levels in President Muhammadu Buhari’s era have given democracy the best possible shot to ensure the entrenchment and progress of a solid democratic system.
According to the Permanent Member 1, “democracy is a gradual process and with the consistent push and efforts of our leaders, there will definitely be a tremendous increase in the country’s economy, and in turn lead to rapid development.
“Without the government there is no democracy, we may not be there today, but remember, democracy is a gradual process and I’m optimistic our leaders will keep doing their best, and democracy will get more strength; and at our level we will not also relent in intensifying our efforts to ensure that the people are happy,”
Former Kogi State Head of Service, Mrs. H. O. K. Lawal who was present at the occasion, described Okumoh as a kindhearted man who has indeed adhered to the plea of the Governor for all his appointees to touch lives positively and represent him well in their various capacities.
“Governor Yahaya Bello has repeatedly told his appointees about his desire for them to represent him well, impact lives positively and allow citizens to feel the effect of the government through their gesture and I am very happy and proud of this young man for not holding back, but living up to expectations,” she explained.
Also speaking, a retired Captain from the Nigerian Army, Mr. Shitu Lawal described Hon. Okumoh as a worthy ambassador of the New Direction Government who has the habit of giving back to his people, adding that his reward would be enormous as according to him, the Ramadan season was the best period to reach out to the people, especially the downtrodden.
Explaining further, the retired Captain said with the love the people of the area have for Okumoh because of his kindness towards them, the community would no doubt return a hundred percent votes to the New Direction Government.
“He is our son, with him we will deliver 100percent votes to Governor Bello from this Local Government, you can see the crowd, see how happy they are, you can see we are not left out, he is always reaching out to women and elders in the area.
“This is fasting period and he is giving us gift, he has shown we are not left out, as elders we pray for him, we pray for His Excellency, Governor Bello, his boss and we pledge to support him maximally in the next elections,” he stated.
Also speaking, the elder brother of Hon. Okumoh, Alhaji Bello Salifu said giving has been part of Okumoh, stressing that he has always extended love to his people even long before he became an appointee of government.
Alhaji Salifu said his brother’s name “Okumoh” means someone that extends a helping hand to others, and called on the people to reciprocate the gesture by remaining with the government.
Earlier, the SUBEB, Director of PRS, Doctor Abdul Enesi said the Permanent Member 1 has always been there for his people and he is not self-centred, adding that Hon. Okumoh has severally reiterated his desire to give a helping hand to the less privileged in the society.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the occasion, expressed appreciation to Hon. Okumoh for always remembering and reaching out to them during festive seasons and prayed God to protect him in his endeavour.
Credit: Inside Story
