The Member representing Okehi Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Otokiti Zakariya, has marked his second year in office with the commissioning of several people-oriented projects across communities in the Local Government Area.
The projects, largely focused on water supply, education, healthcare, and empowerment , were unveiled as part of activities commemorating his two years of legislative service to the constituency.
Hon. Otokiti commissioned a number of water projects, including the construction of new and rehabilitation of existing motorised boreholes in Oboroke, Okaito-Eba, Ohueta, Ikuehi, Utohujova, Obeiba, Oburuburu and other communities in Okehi local government.
In education, Hon. Otokiti constructed block of two classrooms with a staff office at Community Secondary School, Uhuoze, Obangede, to improve the learning environment for students in the area.
He donated free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to 625 students from the constituency over the past two years, easing the financial burden on parents and encouraging access to higher education in line with the free education policy of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The lawmaker also facilitated the construction and renovation of several primary schools, including LGEA Primary Schools in Opopocho, Okaito-Eba, Ukowa, Ikaturu in Eika-Ohizenyi, and Oziochanya in Ohueta.
Hon. Otokiti also conducted a medical outreach programme and paid medical bills for over 100 beneficiaries, providing much-needed support to vulnerable residents.
On employment, he secured pensionable jobs for 27 applicants from the constituency, contributing to economic stability for families in the area.
Speaking during the commissioning, Hon. Otokiti described the projects as a fulfilment of his campaign promises.
“When you are indebted to your people, you must redeem it. These projects are promises fulfilled. I assured these communities during my campaign, and today I am here to keep my word,” he said.
He added that the constituency projects aligns with the development agenda of Governor Ododo, noting that he is complementing the governor’s efforts in grassroots development.
Hon. Otokiti urged benefiting communities to take ownership of the projects and maintain them properly to ensure long-term use.
The Auditor-General for Local Government, Hon. Yakubu Adabenege described the occasion as one of the happiest days for the people of Okehi local government.
He commended Governor Ododo for providing an enabling environment for development and praised Hon. Otokiti for his consistency in delivering on his campaign promises to the people.
“These classrooms were built with a purpose—to create an enabling environment for learning. I call on other public office holders to emulate this example of giving back to society,” Adabenege said.
In separate remarks, Community leaders expressed appreciation for the kind gesture of the lawmaker and offered prayers for Hon. Otokiti, his family, and Governor Ododo, noting that the projects have significantly improved the quality of lives in the communities.
The expressed relief and appreciation, noting that residents had previously endured long distances and stress in search of potable water.
