By Dada Ahmed.
(C).Crusade Express.
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Senator Sunday Karimi (middle)at the media parley on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre ,Lokoja .
What does effective political representation truly look like in a democracy often plagued by broken promises and stalled development? For many Nigerians, the answer remains elusive. But in Kogi West Senatorial District, a bold example is emerging,one that challenges the status quo and redefines leadership as a force for real progress.
In just two years at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Sunday Steve Karimi has turned the abstract ideals of democracy into visible, measurable impact. At a time when many elected officials are content with rhetoric, Karimi has chosen results. His approach is grounded in grassroots engagement, strategic legislation, and the execution of life-changing constituency projects,proof that governance can indeed work for the people when driven by vision, empathy, and accountability.
The Senator,who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,APC,,demonstrated this glaring quality legislative representation on Saturday during his media parley with journalists at NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja which centred on his two-year achievements as a Senator.
From infrastructure to empowerment, Senator Karimi rolled out impactful initiatives by acknowledging that he facilitated the distribution of electricity transformers to underserved communities and spearheaded the reconstruction of the collapsed Pakuta Bridge,restoring a vital link for commuters and traders.
According to him, his.key projects executed through his zonal interventions and personal resources include:
construction of solar-powered, motorized boreholes in multiple wards,installation of solar street lights across various communities and rehabilitation and upgrade of the Lokoja Fish Market to boost local trade.
Others,he added, establishment of a cottage hospital in Kakanda to enhance healthcare delivery,
and offered support for victims of the Ebbe riverine boat mishap in the Kupa community
Demonstrating a deep commitment to human development, the senator also told journalists that he empowered 50 women cooperative groups in 2024 with financial grants totaling N100 million.
This he said was in addition to providing trailers of rice and semovita to ease the burden of food insecurity, and donated five Toyota vehicles to support constituency operations.
According to him,his Easter outreach touched the lives of artisans, farmers under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and other grassroots groups in his constituency,reinforcing his dedication to inclusive service.
In the area of employment, Senator Karimi further revealed that he secured long-term, pensionable federal appointments for some constituents in agencies such as Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA),
Federal Fire Service,National Assembly Service Commission,
Nigeria Police Force and
Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The Senator,who said that education remains one of his major priorities in bringing dividends of democracy to his people, recalled that in October 2024, he awarded N100 million in scholarships to 1,000 indigent students across Kogi West. He has pledged to expand this to a statewide programme in 2025, with N300 million earmarked to support students across the three senatorial districts among other assistants to boost the quality of education in the state.
To address water scarcity, he said he executed multiple water supply projects across all seven local government areas in Kogi West and lobbied the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the vital Mopa-Ejiba Road.
Political observers say Senator Karimi’s achievements transcend routine politics, reflecting a genuine commitment to uplifting communities through empathy, service, and strategic action. His record, they note, sets a benchmark for responsive and visionary leadership.
They noted with delight that in just two years, Senator Karimi has redefined what it means to represent a people,delivering progress not just in promises, but in tangible, lasting impact worthy of emulation by others either elected or appointed into political office.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
