The member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo federal constituency, Hon. Ozigi Muhammad Tijani, on Saturday rolled out a large-scale constituency empowerment programme, distributing hundreds of items to beneficiaries across the constituency.

The empowerment package included tricycles (keke napep), motorcycles, cars, tractors, grinding machines, hair dryers, deep freezers and industrial sewing machines, aimed at boosting small businesses, agriculture and youth employment.

In his address, Hon. Tijani thanked God and paid tribute to his political mentor and former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whom he described as his boss, father and mentor.

“Many people call me his first son. To me, it is more than a title. It is trust, loyalty and love. Aside from God, I would not be who I am today without him,” he said.

He added that the former governor had provided guidance, discipline and fatherly support, stressing his unwavering loyalty.

“Come rain, come sunshine, I remain loyal. Call me any name you like, it will not change my conviction. I will stand behind him and watch his back with all my strength for as long as I live,” he said.

The lawmaker also commended the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, describing him as the chief servant of the state and a worthy successor to Yahaya Bello.

“We belong to one house built on unity, discipline and loyalty. When the time comes again for your re-election, the world will see what unity looks like,” he said.

He further praised the state party leadership, particularly the party chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, for sustaining the party’s dominance in Kogi State.

Hon. Tijani noted that since assuming office, he had adopted a philosophy of impact over publicity, stating that many projects were executed quietly. He listed his interventions across the constituency to include training youths and women in poultry, fishery and soap production; empowering thousands of SMEs and artisans with start-up capital; facilitating federal conditional cash transfers; awarding scholarships to hundreds of students; rehabilitating the Ageva Water Board; installing solar streetlights and transformers; providing boreholes in several communities; distributing fertilisers to farmers; constructing classrooms in schools; commencing a primary healthcare centre; distributing relief materials; and facilitating federal employment opportunities.

“Leadership is about impact, not applause. Today you can see, hear and feel the difference we have made together,” he said.

Describing the programme as a milestone, he said the empowerment initiative was proof that democracy works, proof that leadership is about action and proof that votes matter. He assured constituents that a bigger phase of development was underway and called for continued unity and loyalty.

The event was attended by Aminu Sani Jaji, Aminu Ibrahim Kafur, Danladi Suleiman Aguye, Salman Idris, former Kogi State Speaker Alhaji Hon. Momohjimoh Lawal, state appointees, friends, royal fathers, the chief imam of Ebiraland, party leaders, political associates and community stakeholders.

Hon. Tijani ended his speech with a call for unity.

“The journey is not over, the work is not done. But with loyalty, unity and courage, there is nothing we cannot achieve together,” he said.

He prayed for God’s blessings upon the people of Okene/Ogori-Magongo federal constituency and pledged continued service.