The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has described the ₦710 million direct community development grant disbursed by the Leke Abejide Foundation to 71 communities in Yagbaland as historic and transformational.
Each of the beneficiary communities received ₦10 million to support locally driven development projects, a move Fanwo said has set a new benchmark for grassroots intervention in the area.
In a statement of commendation issued on Wednesday, Fanwo said the initiative reflects the deep commitment of the House of Representatives member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, to people-centred leadership and sustainable development.
According to him, the grants will significantly enhance the capacity of communities to execute their development plans and accelerate progress across Yagbaland.
“When the big masquerade appears, the game changes. This initiative will spark unprecedented development across Yagbaland,” Fanwo said.
He described Abejide as a performing legislator whose achievements have silenced critics, noting that performance, rather than rhetoric, remains the true test of leadership.
“Politics should not be about criticism alone. Performance has cancelled criticism. Even his ardent critics have retreated because you cannot fault development and progress,” he added.
Fanwo noted that the simultaneous disbursement of ₦10 million to 71 communities was unprecedented in the history of Yagbaland, urging beneficiary communities to ensure transparent and judicious utilisation of the funds.
The Commissioner also commended Abejide’s interventions in addressing security challenges in the area, recalling that the lawmaker recently delivered on his promise to strengthen security through the provision of patrol vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics.
According to Fanwo, Abejide further boosted security efforts by engaging additional hunters and strengthening intelligence gathering through the deployment of modern technological tools.
“This is decisive leadership, and Yagba is grateful,” he said.
Fanwo stated that Abejide’s style of representation demonstrates a holistic understanding of governance, combining development initiatives with proactive security measures and collaboration with the Kogi State Government.
He praised the lawmaker for prioritising the welfare and safety of his constituents without politicising their needs, adding that performance should always take precedence over party affiliation.
“I will continue to support him beyond 2027. We do not replace performance. We will do everything within our power to ensure that this man emerges as our party’s candidate in 2027,” Fanwo said.
He urged the people of Yagba to continue to support Abejide, noting that the legislator is steadily redefining and resetting the standards of representative democracy in the constituency.
