Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents the Kogi West District, has announced a significant investment of over N2 billion dedicated to vital development initiatives during his first two years in office.

These projects encompass various sectors, including security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, benefiting the seven local government areas under his legislative purview: Kotonkarfe, Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West.

In a recent discussion with journalists during the parliamentary recess, Karimi highlighted his commitment to education through a N300 million appropriation for a statewide student bursary scheme. This investment has increased his total expenditure on educational support to N400 million over two academic sessions.

The inaugural edition of the bursary scheme in 2024 has already provided 100 students across Kogi West with N100,000 each, and this year he has expanded the initiative to the other senatorial zones, Kogi Central and Kogi East.

Karimi expressed that this initiative aligns with the aspirations of Kogi’s youth for educational advancement and reflects his support for President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress in the region.

In partnership with alumni from his alma mater, Titcombe College in Egbe, Karimi is spearheading a N200 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the school’s facilities. Improvements will include a comprehensive perimeter fencing, the installation of boreholes and water supply systems, acquisition of a diesel-powered generator, and a complete refurbishment of the school’s buildings.

Furthermore, he has single-handedly constructed a 285-capacity hall equipped for computer-based testing, which features laptops, solar power systems, air conditioning, and security cameras. The facility is set to undergo inspections by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) later this month in preparation for its opening for the next examination cycle.

In terms of security, Karimi has built a N750 million Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Nigerian military, contributing to enhanced safety in the region. Additionally, he is supporting the development of a new police post in Ejuku, Yagba East.

Further addressing community needs, Karimi is constructing a community hospital in Kakanda, Lokoja, with a budget of N150 million, and has allocated N23 million for the Pakuta Bridge in Kiri, Kabba-Bunu LGA. He has also invested N11.5 million in rehabilitating cold storage facilities for women traders in Lokoja and is renovating central mosques in Kotonkarfe and Abugi for N10 million each.

Highlighting the pressing need for improved law enforcement, Karimi emphasized that the rapid growth of the population has strained local resources. He noted that the previous police station in Isanlu was insufficient to meet the demands of the community. The establishment of the FOB will significantly bolster security efforts in areas bordering Kogi, Kwara, and Niger states. “It is remarkable to see individuals take the initiative to fully fund the construction of military installations as a proactive response to security challenges,” he remarked.