By Our Correspondent
The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, has expressed optimism that the year 2026 will bring renewed hope, improved security, and better infrastructure for the district, despite the challenges experienced in the previous year.
In a New Year message to his constituents titled “2026: A Year of Renewed Expectations,” Senator Karimi acknowledged that 2025 was marked by serious security concerns that disrupted the long-standing peace of the area. He lamented the infiltration of criminal elements into communities, which led to abductions and loss of lives, while offering prayers for the repose of the souls of victims.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, assured residents that concerted efforts are underway to address the challenges. He identified the poor state of key federal roads—Abaji–Lokoja, Kabba–Isanlu–Egbe, Kabba–Iyara–Omuo Ekiti, and Aiyetoro Gbedde–Eggan–Kupa—as a major concern affecting daily movement and economic activities. According to him, sustained engagements with the Federal Government will result in “noticeable improvements” on these routes in the new year.
On security, Senator Karimi said recent developments at the national level point to a gradual return of stability. He noted the deployment of Forest Guards—comprising trained local hunters and vigilantes—by the Federal Government to complement existing security efforts. He also cited Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States and intensified military operations as factors contributing to the decline in terrorist and bandit activities, adding that Kogi State and Kogi West would benefit from the ongoing security sweep.
The senator further commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as confidence in Kogi West, pointing to recent federal appointments given to indigenes of the zone. He referenced the appointment of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja as recognition of the area’s human capital.
Looking ahead to increased political activities following the expected release of the 2027 electoral calendar by INEC, Senator Karimi urged constituents to remain united and hopeful. He emphasized that continuity in leadership, particularly under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would bring further benefits to the district.
He concluded by encouraging residents to keep faith in the future, expressing confidence that better days lie ahead, and wished the people of Kogi West a prosperous and eventful 2026.
