Abejide Targets ₦50m Projects for 71 Yagba Communities, Donates Over ₦110m, Announces Cement Factory

Rep. Leke Abejide has unveiled a ₦50 million development plan for 71 communities in Yagba Federal Constituency, disbursed over ₦110 million to communities, and announced plans for a world-class cement factory in Okoloke, Kogi State.

The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has intensified grassroots development efforts across Yagba land with the unveiling of an ambitious ₦50 million community development initiative targeted at 71 communities within the constituency.

The lawmaker also announced plans for the establishment of a world-class cement factory in Okoloke, Yagba West Local Government Area, as part of broader efforts aimed at boosting industrialization, creating jobs, and expanding economic opportunities across the constituency.

Abejide made the disclosures during a series of empowerment and community engagement programmes held across Yagba West and other parts of the federal constituency, where over ₦110 million was disbursed to communities for grassroots development projects.

The interventions were carried out through the Leke Abejide Foundation and witnessed the participation of traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, development associations, and political stakeholders from various communities.

₦50 Million Development Target for Each Community

Speaking during the various engagements, Abejide said the foundation’s long-term plan is to ensure that every one of the 71 communities in Yagba Federal Constituency benefits from at least ₦50 million worth of projects over the next four years.

According to him, the initiative is designed to deepen community-driven development and ensure that residents directly determine projects that address their most pressing needs.

“Our goal is to ensure that every community in Yagba land feels the direct impact of purposeful representation. Communities will identify projects that are most important to them, whether in healthcare, education, roads, water supply, or other social needs,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the funds would be released in phases, noting that communities demonstrating transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of previous disbursements would qualify for additional support.

He described the initiative as part of his continued commitment to grassroots development and support for the leadership ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Communities Receive Over ₦110 Million

During the programme, seven additional communities initially received ₦10 million each for development projects, bringing the total number of beneficiary communities under the scheme at the time to 11.

The empowerment train later extended to Yagba West communities where 11 additional communities also received ₦10 million each through their development associations and unions.

Among the benefiting communities were Odo and Oke Egbe, Oke-Ere, Odo-Ere, Okunran, Akata, Esia-Oke Ere, Okoloke, Isanlu-Esa, Odo-Eri, and Ejiba.

The highlight of the events was the presentation of Zenith Bank cheques to the beneficiary communities by Abejide and his wife, Chief Mrs. Esther Modupe Abejide.

Community leaders disclosed that the funds would be invested in projects such as construction of town halls, rehabilitation of roads and bridges, renovation of waterworks, healthcare centres, classrooms, community palaces, and other critical infrastructure.

Traditional rulers and stakeholders across the benefiting communities commended the lawmaker for what they described as unprecedented grassroots intervention and people-oriented representation.

Senate Calls and Political Positioning

At the palace of the Elegbe of Egbe, HRM Oba Ayodele Irukera, during the disbursement of ₦20 million to Odo and Oke Egbe communities, Abejide revealed that political stakeholders from Lokoja/Koto and Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituencies had been urging him to contest for the Kogi West Senatorial seat.

However, the federal lawmaker stated that he had chosen to remain focused on Yagba Federal Constituency in order to consolidate ongoing development programmes within the area.

“Lokoja/Koto want me to run for the Senate, but I have decided to concentrate on Yagba Federal Constituency because of the projects and programmes we are already implementing for our people,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering more infrastructure, empowerment programmes, and social interventions across Yagba land.

Abejide also urged residents to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing the President’s leadership as crucial to the country’s continued development and stability.

Cement Factory Planned for Okoloke

In another major development, Abejide announced plans to facilitate the establishment of a world-class cement factory in Okoloke, Yagba West Local Government Area.

Speaking during a meeting with community leaders and stakeholders from Okunran, Isanlu-Esa, and Okoloke in Odo-Ere, the lawmaker said the project would significantly boost economic activities and provide employment opportunities for youths in the constituency.

According to him, arrangements were already underway for investors to commence operations in the area.

He added that part of preparations for the project includes strengthening local security architecture through the expansion of the Lion Square vigilante group with additional vehicles and personnel.

“The project is part of our broader vision to industrialize Yagba land, create jobs for our youths, and attract more investments into the constituency,” Abejide stated.

Community leaders welcomed the proposed cement factory, describing it as a landmark initiative capable of transforming the local economy and reducing unemployment in the area.

They pledged their support for the project and assured investors of a peaceful and conducive environment for operations.

Communities Promise Accountability

Beneficiary communities and development associations repeatedly assured the lawmaker that the funds would be judiciously utilized for projects that would positively impact residents.

Several community leaders praised the foundation for introducing a development model that allows communities to determine and execute their own priority projects.

Observers believe the scale of the interventions and the planned industrial projects have further strengthened Abejide’s political profile within Kogi West and reinforced his reputation as one of the leading grassroots politicians in the state.