The goal of any leader should be to give quality service to those who have given him or her their mandate
According to Lisa Haisha, “Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They set out to make a difference.”
The same is true of Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, the lawmaker representing Kogi East at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. He has indeed impacted, transformed his constituency and changed the narrative of representation in Kogi East.
Looking at Nigerian politics, there are a few individuals who possess the ability to captivate the people with their charismatic leadership, committed and unwavering dedication to the welfare of their constituents, the Senator representing Kogi East falls into this category. He is not the type that seeks validation through media appearances but would rather prefer his work to speak for itself.
In just two years, he has established himself not only as a lawmaker but also as a builder of people, communities, and critical infrastructure.
His footprints are seen across the nine Local Government Areas of Kogi East. From legislative milestones to grassroots development and life-changing empowerment programmes, his work speaks volumes — not just to the quantity of interventions, but more importantly, to their quality and relevance.
Considering his commitment to his constituents, it’s not surprising the number of bills and motions he has sponsored on the floor of the red chamber in two years.
Senator Echocho has consistently demonstrated legislative foresight. His sponsored bills are strategically aligned with the developmental needs of his constituency and the nation.
These include proposals for the establishment of a Federal Eye Centre in Ochadamu, an Orthopedic Hospital in Dekina, and the upgrading of the College of Education in Ankpa to a Federal University of Education. He has also sought to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial potential through bills proposing the establishment of the Nigeria Cashew Crop Processing Agency and the Nigeria Capital Market Development Fund.
His bill to repeal and reenact the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act underscores his commitment to the protection of vulnerable groups in society. These legislative efforts are not just about drafting laws but about creating a framework that supports development, inclusion, and justice.
Complementing his legislative agenda are numerous motions he has moved on the floor of the Senate. These motions have led to interventions in critical infrastructure, such as the rehabilitation of the Itobe-Ajaokuta road, the Shintaku-Anyigba road, and the completion of the Abadigba Power Project in Egume.
He has drawn national attention to the plight of displaced persons in Bassa, the urgent need to complete Federal Government projects like the Aquaculture Project in Idah, and the imperative of providing aid to communities affected by communal clashes and natural disasters.
Just like Pete Hoekstra said, “Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people that they lead” Senator Echocho indeed understands that leadership is about service and this can be seen in the number of projects that the constituents have benefited from through his transformative leadership.
Footprints on the Ground: Projects Across Kogi East, Senator Echocho’s touch is evident in the electricity that powers small towns, in the clean water now accessible through solar-powered boreholes, and in the improved health facilities serving the rural poor.
In Ankpa, multiple communities have benefitted from the installation of 500KVA transformers and boreholes. Solar water projects and classroom blocks have changed the landscape of education and basic infrastructure. A modern cassava processing plant is also underway — a testament to his belief in agribusiness as a path to wealth creation.
In Ibaji, the construction of an ultra-modern rice mill and empowerment programs in rice processing have opened new economic doors. In Dekina, the reactivation of Acharu Oil Mill, construction of township roads, and a healthcare renaissance marked by renovated hospitals and new facilities like the Primary Health Centre at Ajiolo Ajikpome, stand as tangible symbols of responsive governance.
Egume, Anyigba, and Odu communities are experiencing transformation, not just in infrastructure but in human capital. From the construction of a skills acquisition centre to the reactivation of a university bakery, the senator has focused on projects that create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Farmers now have access to tractors and modern implements in Ofu and Omala, while training programmes continue to equip women and youth with valuable entrepreneurial skills.
The establishment of an integrated cashew processing factory in Ofagolo and plans for a rice milling factory in Abejukolo reflect his broader vision of industrializing Kogi East through value-added agriculture.
It is the same story in Bassa, where boreholes, medical support, and solar lighting have brought renewed hope to communities. The senator’s swift action during the Bassa displacement crisis — moving a motion and ensuring relief materials reached affected communities — further reinforced his reputation as a leader who listens and acts.
In Olamaboro, Idah, and Igalamela/Odolu, the rollout of empowerment programmes have been consistent. Hairdressing machines, gas cylinders, motorcycles, sewing machines, and catering equipment have been distributed widely.
The Senator has supported medical centres with drugs and equipment and provided transformers to previously underserved communities.
Empowerment as a Philosophy: Senator Echocho’s approach to governance is rooted in the principle of giving people the tools to build their own future. Thousands of constituents have benefitted from skill acquisition training in agriculture, tailoring, ICT, and other vocations. These trainings are not cosmetic — they are followed up with start-up capital and equipment, ensuring that the beneficiaries do not return to the cycle of poverty.
His support for education is equally commendable. By sponsoring students through higher institutions and facilitating the registration of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB for those who cannot afford it, he is investing in the next generation of Kogi East leaders.
A National Voice with Local Depth: While he remains deeply connected to the grassroots, Senator Echocho has not shied away from national conversations. He has called for legal backing for the National Task Force on Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATFORCE), advocating for stronger internal security frameworks. His push for the completion of the Ajaokuta-Otukpo rail line further demonstrates his strategic outlook on infrastructural development beyond constituency borders.
A Legacy in Motion: In an era when political rhetoric often outpaces performance, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho stands apart. His record is not built on promises made, but on lives touched, communities transformed, and futures secured. From legislation to execution, from rural intervention to national advocacy, Echocho embodies a new kind of leadership — one that listens, works, and delivers.
As his achievements continue to echo across Kogi East, one thing is clear: true representation is not about what is said, but what is done — and in that, Senator Echocho has spoken loudest of all.
A constituent, Audu Ibrahim told our reporter that they are blessed to have Senator Echocho as their representative.
According to him, Senator Echocho is “God sent. He said that they have not experienced that kind of transformation in Kogi East in just two years.
“He changed everywhere and impacted the lives of people. There is no area that he hasn’t touched. What surprises us is the fact that he doesn’t even make noise about these things. Some politicians will do just a little thing and they will give it a kind of media hype that will make people think that they have done so much. This man is different. I am sure that by the time he is completing this term you will not recognise our constituency again. We thank God for sending him there to work for us.”