By Yekini Jimoh
Women from the three local government areas of Yagba Federal Constituency (Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West) in Kogi State made a passionate appeal on Thursday to the area’s federal lawmaker, Elder Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This appeal comes just a month after all the Council Chairmen, key political figures from various parties, and other stakeholders convened in Lokoja, the state capital, with the same request.
During the gathering of women in Isanlu, the headquarters of the federal constituency, Hajia Olusegun Silifat Abidemi, the Majority Leader of Yagba East LGA, outlined the reasons for their desire to see the federal lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Export and Excise Duties, join the APC.
She emphasized that Leke’s membership in the ruling party would be a strategic move to strengthen the party’s presence in the state and noted that his involvement would be a significant asset to the APC.
According to her Abejide’s “commitment to improving lives is evident in his numerous initiatives. His notable achievements include the construction of roads, such as the ongoing South East Yagba District Road, transforming our communities and enhancing connectivity.
“His initiative to provide support to our traditional leaders, including gifting Highlander jeeps to first, second, and third-class kings, has strengthened Yagba traditional institutions.
“Some of his other notable achievements include providing a 20 million loan scheme to petty traders, empowering women with a 100 million grant to cooperative societies in Yagba Federal Constituency, and planning to provide a 200 million grant to farmers across Yagbaland.
“He has also donated over 200 million in health equipment to the six general hospitals in Yagba Federal Constituency. He has also facilitated the ongoing construction of Custom Medical Hospital in Yagba and sponsored bills for Isanlu General Hospital to Federal Medical Center.
“Hon. Asiwaju Leke Abejide has awarded scholarships to ten students to study outside the country and five medical students, paid WAEC fees for seven consecutive years for students in public and private secondary schools across Yagbaland, and paid NECO fees for students across Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopamuro, Ijumu and Kabba-Bunu Federal Constituency in kogi West Senatorial District and gifted an Alutual vehicle to Yagba students.
“Hon. Abejide has also facilitated employment opportunities for about 47 graduates and undergraduates in Yagba Federal Constituency at Federal agency, and ministry, and employed about 700 workers in his private business, with 315 of them from Yagba Federal Constituency.
Also, the Council leader for Mopamuro LGA said the rep member has demonstrated capacity in his two terms even at the opposition party.
“We need you today, tomorrow and all the time. 2027 is coming and people want you to continue your good work. We are begging you to move back to the APC, where we know your works for the constituency will be more amplified.
In response, the federal lawmaker stated that women will be the primary beneficiaries of his constituency projects, emphasizing that she will focus on road construction and “stomach” infrastructure.
“I respect your commitment in my political struggles, I will never disappoint you.
“Aside from you, even the presidency want me back in APC. I’m still taking my time doing consultation. At the right time, I will make my position knows to all.”
