By Lizzy Chirkpi
The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Elder Leke Abejide, has pledged N500 million for a youth empowerment programme to help young people across the constituency establish and expand small businesses.
Abejide made the pledge at his homecoming ceremony held at Itodo Open Field in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. He said the programme would benefit youths across the 74 communities in the constituency.
He explained that the initiative was designed to provide young people with the resources and opportunities to become self-reliant, create jobs and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
The lawmaker also declared his support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and the second-term bid of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Describing Tinubu as a blessing to Nigeria, Abejide said the President’s reforms were yielding results and driving development across the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Godsent to Nigeria. His reforms are working and improving our nation. He has empowered our sub-nationals and has done a lot of infrastructure across the country. In Kogi State, I will work with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Abejide also pledged to support Ododo’s re-election, citing the governor’s performance and his administration’s contributions to the state’s development.
“After electing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I will join forces with others to re-elect Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has done very well for our people,” he added.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade, welcomed Abejide to the homecoming ceremony and commended him for his sustained interventions across the constituency, particularly his support for widows and students.
Ayoade said the lawmaker’s interventions demonstrated his commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents and supporting young people’s educational aspirations.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State chapter, Hon. Tosin Olokun, assured Abejide of the people’s support for President Tinubu and the lawmaker ahead of the 2027 elections.
Olokun said residents had witnessed the impact of the APC-led administration and would continue to support leaders whose programmes and policies promoted development, economic growth and good governance.
In an interview with journalists at the event, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro urged youths in the constituency to unite and participate actively in the political process, describing the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the “winning team” ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged the youths to support candidates who, he said, had demonstrated a commitment to their development and the overall progress of the constituency and the state.
The homecoming ceremony attracted political leaders, APC stakeholders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other supporters from across Yagba Federal Constituency.