In a significant festive season intervention, a federal lawmaker in Kogi State has initiated a massive relief program targeting vulnerable groups in his constituency.
Massive N1 Billion Relief Package Unveiled
Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, officially launched the distribution of food items and other materials valued at approximately one billion naira (₦1 billion). The event took place in Yagba, Kogi State, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, coinciding with Christmas celebrations.
The lawmaker, who represents the Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency, stated that the initiative is part of his annual activities to mark the Christmas and New Year festivities. He urged the officials handling the distribution to ensure the items reach all intended beneficiaries across every ward and polling unit in the federal constituency.
Contents of the Humanitarian Package
The relief materials earmarked for this year's distribution are substantial and varied, designed to provide direct support. According to details released, the package includes:
- 24,000 bags of 5kg rice
- 10,000 packs of 2kg garri
- 10,000 six-yard wrappers specifically for widows
- Additional items such as salt, sugar, and noodles
Abejide, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that this humanitarian intervention is not a new project. He revealed that the program has been sustained for about nine years, indicating a long-term commitment to supporting widows and vulnerable constituents in his area.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, the lawmaker was quoted saying, "The distribution of food items is my usual gesture. It will reach the 34 wards and all polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency so that our people can celebrate Christmas and the New Year. This initiative did not start today; it has been in existence for about nine years."
Broader Community Development Pledges
Beyond the immediate festive relief, Hon. Abejide also reviewed a major community development pledge. He announced an increase in his commitment to supporting community-based projects across the constituency's autonomous communities.
The pledge per community has been reviewed upwards from ₦5 million to ₦10 million. With 71 autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency, this translates to a total commitment of ₦710 million slated for disbursement by 2026.
"By 2026, all the autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency will benefit. A total of ₦710 million will be disbursed to support community development projects," the lawmaker stated.
This development initiative and the food distribution occur against a backdrop of political dynamics. Hon. Leke Abejide, who campaigned for President Bola Tinubu, was recently expelled from the ADC. The party's National Working Committee ratified the expulsion, which was initially decided by the Kogi state executive committee, as confirmed in a statement by the ADC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Furthermore, the lawmaker's community efforts have drawn reactions from local political figures. Recall that Hon. Taufiq Isa previously condemned verbal attacks on Abejide by former Senator Dino Melaye, describing them as insulting to Okun values. Isa praised Abejide's calm leadership and visible impact across Yagba and Okun land.
