By John Akubo
As Nigeria’s political climate begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, one name continues to resonate across Kogi East: Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho. Far beyond the fleeting noise of politics, Echocho has become a symbol of dependable leadership, consistent delivery, and people-centered service.
In a zone long plagued by weak representation and broken promises, he has proven to be the exception—and is fast becoming the standard.
As a ranking senator already midway into his second term, he has been holding sway in critical committees such as that of customs and some critical adhoc committees like that which investigated the Ways and Means Conundrum.
In legislative chambers, seniority isn’t just ceremonial—it translates to real influence.
As Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho continues to gain ground in the National Assembly, his growing seniority positions him for more strategic committee roles, greater legislative leverage, and increased access to federal opportunities for Kogi East. Replacing him in 2027 would mean resetting that momentum. With every term, Echocho not only delivers more but secures a stronger seat at the table where national decisions are made. Kogi East must not forfeit that rising advantage.
Recall that long before politics, Echocho had already made his mark. As a trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking sector, he helped shape the careers of numerous Kogi youths, opening doors into the financial world.
His impact on commercial infrastructure in the region was significant, with efforts that led to the establishment of major banking institutions across towns like Anyigba, Idah, and Ankpa.
Even outside the boardroom, his heart remained close to home. Rather than invest in distant ventures, he channeled resources into education, founding the Isah Memorial School in Ajiyolo, Dekina LGA. The school, now over 19 years old, has become a beacon of academic excellence—affordable, award-winning, and staffed by locals. Through the Echocho Scholarship Scheme, hundreds of students have gained access to education both in Nigeria and abroad.
By the time Echocho was elected senator in 2019, he had already built a legacy of service. But rather than rest on it, he hit the ground running—proving that leadership is best measured by action. From legislative interventions to grassroots development, he brought life to a senatorial district that had suffered years of neglect.
His signature has been felt across every key sector: education, healthcare, agriculture, power, water, and infrastructure. Echocho’s projects span all nine LGAs of Kogi East, with development tailored to the specific needs of each community.
In power infrastructure, he facilitated the distribution of 500KVA transformers to communities like Olufofo, Ejegbo, Ofugo, Inye, and Igodo—reviving economic activity and restoring light to long-dark neighborhoods. He also pushed for the completion of the Abadigba Power Project in Egume. Solar-powered streetlights now illuminate communities in Ankpa, Dekina, Omala, Ibaji, Bassa, and Idah, improving night-time security and helping local businesses operate after dark.
Where clean water was once a luxury, Echocho provided over 50 motorized and solar-powered boreholes to communities in Abejukolo, Itobe, Ajakagwu, and Onah, among others—reducing disease and lifting burdens off women and children.
In healthcare, his impact has been both strategic and far-reaching. From renovating Dekina General Hospital to supplying drugs and equipment to over 30 primary healthcare centers, he’s prioritized access and affordability. New health facilities have sprung up in underserved communities like Okete, Ajiolo, and Akpoli. He even sponsored bills for the establishment of a National Eye Centre in Ochadamu and an Orthopaedic Hospital in Dekina—laying a foundation for specialized healthcare in the region.
His passion for education is unmatched. He has built and renovated dozens of classroom blocks in Enabo, Akpelu, Alokoli, and GDSS Dekina. Over 10,000 exercise books have been distributed across LGAs, while critical bills have been sponsored to upgrade institutions like the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa into a Federal University of Education.
But he hasn’t stopped at formal education. Echocho’s drive for empowerment has seen the implementation of skill acquisition and vocational training programs in all LGAs—empowering youth and women in tailoring, cassava processing, rice milling, baking, phone repairs, and hairdressing. Beneficiaries didn’t just receive training—they got startup kits: tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, and cash grants.
In agriculture, the backbone of Kogi East, Echocho has led boldly. He supplied tractors and full-scale implements to farmers across the LGAs and facilitated the construction of integrated rice milling plants in Ejule Ojebe and Abejukolo—creating local agro-processing hubs. He also sponsored bills for the Nigeria Cashew Crop Processing Agency and the National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Idah, leveraging the region’s natural strengths.
When disaster strikes, he shows up. From floods in Ibaji to windstorms in Ofu and communal crises in Omala, Echocho has delivered timely relief materials—food, medical supplies, and shelter kits—while pushing federal authorities to act through motions in the Senate.
Security hasn’t been left behind. He has donated operational vehicles to vigilante groups and is overseeing the construction of a zonal police station in Anyigba—helping law enforcement stay visible and effective.
In the National Assembly, Echocho has proven not only active but strategic. His motions and bills—ranging from road rehabilitation (Shintaku–Anyigba, Itobe–Ajaokuta) to federal project completion and electricity restoration—reflect deep alignment with his constituents’ needs.
He’s also tackled unemployment head-on, facilitating job placements for Kogi East indigenes in over 20 federal agencies, including FIRS, NSCDC, FRSC, Customs, NTA, and FAAN—restoring faith in government among many communities.
Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho is not merely delivering on campaign promises. He is rewriting the story of Kogi East with vision, vigor, and verifiable results. He embodies what democracy can look like when powered by purpose.
In Echocho, Kogi East has found not just a senator—but a servant leader, a builder of futures, and a voice of integrity.
His legacy is taking shape before our eyes—and 2027 is looking less like a contest, and more like a coronation.
Because when a team is winning, you don’t change the coach.
