A Glimpse of Kogi East Senator Jibrin Echocho’s Scorecard in the Senate .
By Our Correspondent
In Nigeria’s presidential system, legislators are tasked with three primary responsibilities—lawmaking, representation, and oversight. Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), representing Kogi East, has embraced these roles with remarkable dedication, effectively balancing his legislative duties with impactful constituency service.
Legislative Achievements
Senator Echocho has been an active voice in the Senate, contributing to key debates and sponsoring legislation aimed at improving lives across Kogi East and beyond. His legislative efforts include:
Bills Sponsored:
Conversion of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, to a Federal University of Education.
Upgrade of Holy Memorial Hospital, Ochadamu, to a Federal Eye Center.
Establishment of Nigeria Cashew Crop Processing Agency and Cashew Research Institute, Idah.
Amendments to the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act.
Establishment of the Nigerian Capital Market Development Fund.
Repeal and reenactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Motions Moved:
Completion of Abadigba Power Project, Egume.
Urgent call for finishing the Junior Girls Model Secondary School, Odu-Okpiyegede.
Provision of emergency aid for victims of rainstorms and communal clashes.
Rehabilitation of critical roads, including Shintaku-Anyigba and Itobe-Ajaokuta.
Fast-tracking the Ajaokuta-Otukpo rail project and the Federal Government Aquaculture Project in Idah.
Grassroots Impact
Beyond the National Assembly, Senator Echocho has initiated a series of development projects across Kogi East:
Rural Electrification: Distribution of 500KVA and 250KVA transformers to numerous communities, boosting local economic activities.
Education: Distribution of over 10,000 exercise books to public primary schools across the nine local government areas.
Water Supply: Installation of motorized boreholes in communities like Emere, Emekutu, Erane, and many others.
Agricultural Support: Provision of tractors and implements in areas such as Bassa, Ibaji, Olamaboro, and Idah to promote mechanized farming.
Health & Infrastructure:
Reactivation of Acharu Palm Oil Mill, Egume.
Construction of modern health centres and renovation of Dekina General Hospital.
Establishment of skills acquisition centers, feeder roads, and a modern market in Ajiolo.
Supply of medical equipment and drugs to public health institutions.
Security:
Ongoing construction of a zonal police station in Anyigba.
Donation of operational vehicles to local vigilante groups.
Empowerment & Employment:
Youth and women empowerment programmes in areas like cassava processing.
Facilitation of federal employment opportunities for hundreds of Kogi East indigenes in agencies such as FIRS, NSCDC, FRSC, Fire Service, Customs, NTA, and FAAN.
A Stable and Focused Tenure
Senator Echocho’s tenure stands in contrast to the political instability that previously characterized Kogi East representation in the 8th Senate. Despite initial post-election litigation, his mandate was affirmed early, allowing uninterrupted service delivery.
Senator Isah Jibrin’s record reflects a rare blend of legislative diligence and a passion for community development. His efforts continue to foster unity and inspire hope in Kogi East—a legacy of responsible, people-focused governance.
