By John Akubo
In an era where many political leaders are measured more by their rhetoric than their results, Senator Isah Jibrin, popularly known as Echocho, has carved a distinct identity for himself as a doer—an embodiment of purposeful representation. His tenure as the Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District has been marked by an impressive array of constituency projects, policy interventions, legislative achievements, and humanitarian outreach. From education to agriculture, water supply to health, roads to power, Echocho’s development strides have touched nearly every facet of life across the nine local government areas of Kogi East.
This feature delves into the depth and breadth of Echocho’s achievements, showcasing how one lawmaker can leverage public trust and legislative power to bring tangible change to the grassroots.
One of the most visible hallmarks of Echocho’s representation has been his unwavering commitment to expanding electricity access and supporting economic infrastructure. His distribution of over 500KVA transformers in communities like Olufofo, Ejegbo, Ofugo, Inye, and Igodo has improved power supply and ignited economic activity. He has also sponsored the motion for the completion of the Abadigba power project in Egume, a longstanding infrastructure deficit that has crippled productivity in parts of Dekina.
Alongside this, Echocho has facilitated the installation of solar-powered streetlights across worship centres and community streets in Ankpa, Dekina, Omala, Ibaji, Bassa, and Idah—enhancing security and supporting small businesses operating after dark.
In areas where access to clean water remains a daily struggle, Echocho has responded decisively by installing over 50 motorized and solar-powered boreholes across various local governments, including hard-to-reach areas like Abejukolo, Itobe, Ajakagwu, and Onah. These interventions are saving lives, reducing waterborne disease, and cutting down the burden on women and children who previously trekked long distances for water.
His health interventions go even further. From the renovation of Dekina General Hospital to the supply of drugs and medical equipment to over 30 primary healthcare centres and hospitals, Echocho’s focus on health is both preventive and curative. He has constructed new healthcare facilities in underserved areas like Okete, Ajiolo, and Akpoli, ensuring that healthcare is closer to the people.
In a bold legislative move, he also sponsored the National Eye Centre Ochadamu Bill and the Orthopaedic Hospital Establishment Bill for Dekina, laying the groundwork for specialized healthcare access in the region.
Recognizing that education is the foundation for development, Echocho has undertaken transformative education initiatives across the senatorial district. He has built and renovated dozens of classroom blocks in communities like Enabo, Akpelu, Alokoli, and Government Day Secondary School Dekina.
In an effort to encourage early learning, he facilitated the distribution of 10,000 exercise books each across all nine LGAs, supported provision of educational materials, and sponsored bills that aim to upgrade institutions like the Kogi State College of Education Ankpa into a Federal University of Education.
Beyond classrooms, Senator Echocho has emphasized skill acquisition and vocational training, organizing empowerment programs for youth and women in cassava and rice processing, baking, tailoring, phone repair, and hairdressing across all LGAs. Beneficiaries have not only received training but also cash grants, sewing machines, grinding machines, tricycles, and motorcycles to support their startup ventures.
As agriculture remains the economic backbone of Kogi East, Echocho has invested heavily in the sector. His supply of tractors with full farming implements across all LGAs has helped scale up local production. In Ejule Ojebe and Abejukolo, his construction of integrated rice milling plants is already serving as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation.
He also sponsored the Bill for the Establishment of the Nigeria Cashew Crop Processing Agency and the National Cashew Production and Research Institute at Idah, both of which are aimed at harnessing Kogi East’s natural comparative advantage in cashew production.
Senator Echocho has proven time and again that he is responsive to emergencies. Whether it’s floods in Ibaji, windstorms in Ofu and Olamaboro, or communal clashes in Omala, he has consistently mobilized relief materials, including food, shelter kits, and medical supplies, to affected families. He has also tabled motions urging federal authorities like the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to prioritize disaster recovery support for the region.
Understanding that development cannot thrive in the absence of peace, Senator Echocho has supported security efforts in Kogi East. From donating operational vehicles to vigilante groups to facilitating the ongoing construction of a zonal police station in Anyigba, he is ensuring law enforcement has the tools and presence needed to serve the people effectively.
In the National Assembly, Senator Echocho has not only been active but strategic. His legislative pursuits—ranging from education and health to agriculture and infrastructure—reflect the genuine needs of his constituents. Beyond bills, he has moved motions that advocate for critical road rehabilitation (Shintaku–Anyigba, Itobe–Ajaokuta), power restoration, and the expedited completion of abandoned federal projects in the region.
Senator Echocho has facilitated employment opportunities for hundreds of Kogi East youths in over 20 federal government agencies, including the FIRS, NSCDC, FRSC, Fire Service, Nigerian Customs, NTA, and FAAN. These placements have given families stability and injected hope into communities long denied federal inclusion.
Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho is not just fulfilling campaign promises; he is reshaping the destiny of Kogi East with vision, vigor, and verifiable results. His tenure is proof that democracy, when stewarded by people of purpose, can truly bring development to the doorsteps of everyday citizens.
In Echocho, Kogi East has found not just a representative but a builder of futures, a bridge to opportunity, and a voice that speaks with both action and integrity. His achievements serve as a model for legislative excellence—and a call to action for others entrusted with public office.
John Akubo is a media practitioner based in Abuja
–
