Abejide unveils ₦500m Youth Business Support Plan, backs Tinubu, Ododo

By Florence Kalu

The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Elder Leke Abejide, has pledged ₦500 million for a youth empowerment programme to support the establishment and expansion of small-scale businesses across the constituency’s 74 communities.

Abejide announced the pledge at his homecoming ceremony held at Itodo Open Field in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he also declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the second-term bid of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker said the proposed empowerment initiative was designed to equip young people with the resources and opportunities needed to become economically self-reliant, create jobs and contribute to the development of their communities.

He explained that the programme would extend across the 74 communities in Yagba Federal Constituency, with the aim of encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening grassroots economic activity.

Abejide also expressed confidence in the leadership of Tinubu and Ododo, saying his support for their re-election bids was informed by his belief that their administrations were pursuing policies and programmes capable of promoting development and improving the welfare of Nigerians and the people of Kogi State.

His declaration adds to the political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as party stakeholders and political leaders intensify efforts to consolidate support for their preferred candidates.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade, welcomed Abejide to the homecoming ceremony and commended him for his interventions in the constituency, particularly his support for widows and students.

Ayoade described the interventions as evidence of the lawmaker’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents and supporting the educational aspirations of young people.

She noted that initiatives targeting disadvantaged groups and students remained important to improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities at the grassroots.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State Chapter, Hon. Tosin Olokun, assured Abejide of the people’s support for Tinubu and the lawmaker ahead of the 2027 elections.

Olokun said the people had witnessed the impact of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration and would continue to support leaders whose policies and programmes, in his assessment, promoted development, economic growth and good governance.

In his remarks to journalists, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro urged youths across the constituency to remain united and participate actively in the political process.

Describing the APC as the “winning team” ahead of the 2027 elections, Obaro called on young people to support candidates he said had demonstrated commitment to their development and the progress of Yagba and Kogi State.

The homecoming ceremony attracted political leaders, APC stakeholders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other supporters from across Yagba Federal Constituency.

Abejide’s ₦500 million pledge and his endorsement of Tinubu and Ododo featured prominently at the gathering, combining a proposed economic empowerment initiative with an appeal for political support ahead of the next electoral cycle.