Brilliant, methodical, and self-effacing, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, the representative for Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency at the National Assembly had always been groomed for national significance. This is why his remarkable start to life as a federal lawmaker has not surprised many.
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His victory at the February 25 polls was greeted with sheer ecstacy, safe in the knowledge that the experienced politician would significantly raise the bar of political representation in his Constituency.

It’s been a little over 100 days since the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For the man fondly called GNI, considering the heavy weight of expectations, it was imperative that he set down an early marker to justify the huge confidence reposed in him.

Since assuming office, through his numerous undertakings and efforts, it has become evident that GNI is a stickler for excellence. His love for the good people of Yewa North and Imeko Afon shines through his legislative contributions.
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His representation has been characterized by a strong sense of purpose and direction. He has not only contributed to reforms that would directly impact his constituency, but to those that would shape the socio- economic landscape in Nigeria.

Recall that prior to his inauguration, GNI presented a 15-year development plan that focuses on economic development, social development and governance with a view to creating a prosperous Yewa North/Imeko/Afon constituency. This development drew positive reactions from many quarters, even from opposition camps. It has to be said that an engagement of this nature remains unprecedented in the region.

This development plan has thus far helped GNI put his legislative agenda in proper perspective.

On the 11th of July, 2023, while making one of his first legislative contributions at the House, GNI tasked the Federal Government to lift the ban on the sale of fuel in border communities, following the removal of fuel subsidy. It was his thinking that the ban was no longer required since the government had removed the subsidy on petrol. He called for immediate lifting of the ban as it had caused untold hardship on millions of Nigerians living and conducting businesses within the affected area.
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The House adopted the motion, urging the Nigerian Customs Service and other relevant government agencies to ensure immediate lifting of the ban. The House also mandated the Committee on Customs and Excise when constituted to ensure compliance.

Due to the prevalence of border communities in Yewa North/ Imeko Afon constituency, GNI is burdened by the fact that while somethings can be taken for granted by someone representing a metropolitan city, the same cannot be said if someone representing his constituency. This is because, while there are bad roads in the city, it is more pervasive in his region. Land is underutilized, and the dividends of democracy is at its minimum.

In essence, the investment banker has to do twice what the regular representative is mandated to do. This is why constant engagement with public and private entities has become a constant part of his daily schedule.
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Specifically, he has made efforts in addressing the water, road, educational, employment and healthcare challenges in the constituency. GNI also hopes to expand the scope of opportunities with neighbouring Benin Republic.

For him, the idea of a new deal was not just a campaign theme, but an opportunity to see to the birth of a federal constituency of his and many others’ dreams.

While he has been careful to ensure that conventional empowerment programs via sharing of motorcycles, farming equipments, sewing machines, etc, would not form the fulcrum of his legislative interventions, GNI has already empowered over 100 of his constituents with jobs and
and skills acquisition programs. A lot more in this regard are well in the offing.

For instance, just recently, GNI awarded a Scholarship to a young, talented indigene of Imeko Afon local government, Adesina Abdulahi who designed a prototype of the proposed new Onimeko of Imeko Palace with cartons.

Other efforts are being documented and would be made public in due course.

More importantly, a lot is still expected from the Chairman, House Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education. GNI’s mind glows with ideas and, not a few people, would say, his heart burns for his people.

While the journey is a long one still, GNI has wasted no time in acquitting himself with the repositioning of his constituency via great deftness, collaboration and purposeful legislation to bring his ‘New Deal’ vision to fruition.

Credit where it’s due, GNI is off to a great start!

Femi Peters is a Special Assistant on Media to Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI).