Senator Echocho: The Thriving Success Story of Yahaya Bello.
By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
Politicking has never been as interesting as in today’s world, where people often judge leaders based on social media trends. Those who understand how to use marketing tools to create a perception are often seen as ideal leaders, but real leadership is about results. Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho may not be the most outspoken politician, but his work speaks for itself.
The issue isn’t whether you like or understand him, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho is making a real impact in Kogi East. All it takes is a closer look.
He may not be loud and has an orthodox approach to governance, but that does not take away the good in him. He may prefer to stay away from cameras. He may not tolerate disrespect and indiscipline. But one thing is clear: whether you choose to argue it or not, he is the best representative Kogi East has ever had in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.
Sen. Echocho is one of the celebrated Nigerians who spearheaded the digital transformation of the Nigerian banking sector, and he was a shining light who wrote Kogi’s name in gold. Even before joining politics, he made significant philanthropic contributions, investing in human capital development in Kogi East more than any politician had ever done. It is true that he was indeed a blessing.
Turning to politics in 2011 to expand his service to Kogites was a decision many described as his worst, as they believed he was too refined for the political space. As expected, politics did him dirty because gold and dirt hardly mix well. Imagine winning the gubernatorial primary of the ruling PDP, only for the incumbent governor to conduct another one at a later date to produce his preferred candidate.
This would have discouraged many from serving humanity, but the good in him was too strong for politics to suppress, so he continued his humanitarian work. This is the man called “Echocho.”
His political journey took a new turn with the formation of the APC and the birth of the “New Direction” government in Kogi State. Since then, Echocho has been closely linked to the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON. Bello did not just govern; he built a new system that produced strong, result-driven leaders. Echocho is a perfect example of this.
This is a man who was pushed into obscurity by his own brothers, yet he rose. Will critics of Yahaya Bello acknowledge how his leadership created political leaders like Echocho, who focus on real work instead of noise?
Senator Echocho has worked hard to bring development to Kogi East. Some of his key projects include:
1. Providing 500KVA transformers to numerous communities like Olufofo in Ankpa LGA, improving access to electricity.
2. Constructing solar-powered boreholes in several communities across Kogi East, solving long-standing water shortages.
3. Boosting agriculture by distributing tractors and farming equipment to farmers in all LGAs across Kogi East. This is in addition to the continued distribution of farm inputs and financial aid to support farming.
4. Empowering women and young people through training programmes and grants to start businesses. This initiative has been sustained for the past five years, benefiting individuals across all nine LGAs.
5. Consistently donating medical supplies and equipment to health centres, improving healthcare services. This is in addition to building or renovating healthcare structures in rural communities to bring quality healthcare closer to the grassroots.
6. Building and renovating schools across Kogi East, distributing reading and writing materials, and providing scholarships to make education accessible to the grassroots.
These are just a few of his 89 verifiable achievements, making him one of the most hardworking senators from Kogi East. In the past, we have had senators whose only visible achievements were their glass houses in their villages. But here is someone changing the game, with little appreciation.
To me, the most remarkable initiative has been the “Sen. Jibrin Entrepreneurial Scheme”, launched last year, which empowered 30 Kogites with millions of naira in grants, provided training, and connected them to mentorship opportunities. This is a strategic effort to nurture the next generation of homegrown business leaders in Kogi State.
Senator Echocho’s success is not by chance. It is a result of the system built by Governor Yahaya Bello, who is known for selecting capable individuals and giving them the support they need to succeed. Echocho has consistently praised Bello’s leadership and never fails to express his gratitude.
Beyond expectations and the realities of leadership, Echocho has experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly, yet his only focus remains on getting it right for Kogi Easterners. It may not be possible to touch all lives in every part of Kogi East at the same time, but the senator is definitely working assiduously to change the narrative.
While some may argue that Echocho could do more, his impact remains undeniable. I am a believer, and I urge you to celebrate progress while we continue demanding more.
For those who truly care about Kogi’s future, it’s time to move beyond social media noise and recognise the real transformation happening around us. No more time for destructive politics.