Lokoja, Nigeria : Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has unveiled a comprehensive list of developmental strides and empowerment initiatives undertaken since assuming office, according to a report released by his media team.
The achievements span critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, job creation, community development, security, agriculture, and political support.
Employment and Job Creation
The Senator has facilitated the employment of numerous youths across Federal Government agencies and paramilitary organizations, offering hope to many families and addressing unemployment in the region.
Education Empowerment
In a bold move to support education, Senator Karimi launched a ₦100 million scholarship fund for tertiary institution students. He has also invested in preparatory coaching and educational resources for students at both secondary and university levels.
Notably, he spearheaded the reconstruction of Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Koton Karfe, at a cost exceeding ₦1.2 billion.
Infrastructure Development
Karimi’s intervention led to the reconstruction of the Pakuta Bridge in Aiyegunle Gbede, valued at over ₦17 million. The bridge now reconnects communities across three local government areas and into Niger State.
His efforts also revived the long-abandoned Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road project. In water infrastructure, 140 boreholes (including 75 new solar-powered units) were constructed or rehabilitated, with a combined investment of ₦1.24 billion.
Rural and Community Development
To boost rural electrification, transformers were distributed across seven LGAs. The Senator also supported religious harmony through donations to churches and mosques and contributed to socio-cultural associations.
Market and Trader Empowerment
As part of his economic empowerment agenda, Karimi disbursed ₦100 million to 50 women cooperative groups after specialized training. He also empowered 1,000 traders with ₦100,000 each across the district and extended support to 400 members of the Lokoja Arewa Traders Union.
Disaster and Emergency Relief
Responding to emergencies, he donated ₦10 million to victims of the Embwa road mishap and ₦11 million toward rehabilitating the Fish Market in Lokoja.
Security Support
To combat insecurity, Senator Karimi facilitated the establishment of a Forward Military Base in Yagba West and continues to provide logistic support to security agencies, especially during festive periods.
Agricultural Support
Farmers across the senatorial district have received fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, enhancing productivity and food security.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
In a move towards sustainability, the Senator installed solar-powered street lights in underserved communities, improving security and reducing energy costs.
Transportation Empowerment
Several youths received Toyota Corolla cars to boost their livelihoods and transportation capacity.
Political Development
Ahead of the Local Government Elections, Senator Karimi provided ₦27.5 million to support All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, with ₦7 million allocated to each of the 7 chairmanship aspirants, ₦500,000 to vice-chairmanship candidates, and ₦200,000 to 85 councilorship hopefuls.
Senator Karimi’s multi-sectoral interventions reflect a deep commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development, positioning him as a key driver of transformation in Kogi West.
Education and Youth Empowerment Deepened
Further amplifying his commitment to education, Senator Karimi disbursed bursaries of ₦100,000 each to students from the ₦100 million scholarship fund earlier launched. This intervention has directly eased financial burdens for numerous tertiary students.
In a similar gesture targeting women, the Senator rolled out a ₦100 million empowerment fund, where each beneficiary received ₦100,000 to support micro-business ventures and household sustainability.
Infrastructure and Security Projects Expand
The reconstruction of the Pakuta Bridge in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area—fully facilitated by Senator Karimi—was executed at a cost exceeding ₦40 million, reconnecting several rural communities and improving economic mobility.
In a significant investment toward security, Karimi donated ₦5 million for the construction of a security post in Kabba-Bunu LGA. The gesture was publicly acknowledged in a video by the LGA Chairman, who praised the Senator’s timely intervention.
Additionally, the Senator funded the construction of an 80-bed Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe. The facility includes fully furnished spaces, solar installations, a three-bedroom residential unit for the commanding officer, and two brand-new Hilux vans—each reportedly valued at over ₦100 million—donated to the Nigerian Army.
Water and Health Initiatives
Addressing dire water scarcity across rural wards, Senator Karimi facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of 110 solar-powered boreholes across the seven LGAs and 85 wards in Kogi West, ensuring at least one borehole per ward. Stakeholders and local chairmen have openly expressed their appreciation, describing the development as a lifeline for communities previously dependent on unsafe stream water.
In health infrastructure, a cottage hospital is currently under construction in Edo Community, Kakanda Ward, Lokoja LGA, solely initiated by the Senator. This complements ongoing work at Government Secondary School, Koton Karfe, where a school reconstruction project valued at ₦1.2 billion—one of six across Nigeria—is being executed under federal collaboration, with Kogi West securing the North Central slot through Senator Karimi’s lobbying.
Economic Revitalization and Trader Support
The Lokoja Fish Market, destroyed by fire, has been rebuilt through a ₦10 million intervention by the Senator. In further support of education, Karimi also donated ₦10 million for the construction of a School of Nursing in Iyara.
Federal Employment and Road Rehabilitation
In under 19 months, Senator Karimi has facilitated federal employment opportunities for at least 25 youths from Kogi West. Meanwhile, the long-abandoned Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin Road is undergoing rehabilitation following his lobbying efforts, with ₦9 billion recently released to make the road motorable. Negotiations are also underway with MANGAL Industries for a complete reconstruction through a tax credit scheme.
Support to Agriculture and Electricity Access
To boost agricultural productivity, Karimi distributed over 2,000 bags of Urea and DPK fertilizer alongside essential farm inputs to rural farmers.
On power infrastructure, the Senator facilitated the distribution and installation of 16 units of 500KVA transformers across the seven LGAs, significantly enhancing electricity supply and enabling small businesses to thrive.
Humanitarian Support
In response to tragic events, Senator Karimi donated ₦10 million to families affected by a boat mishap, demonstrating empathy and responsibility toward constituents in times of grief.
A Growing Legacy
In just over a year and a half in office, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi’s approach has been characterized by high-impact, people-focused initiatives and strategic lobbying to attract federal attention to the needs of Kogi West. While his media team notes that the list of achievements is “endless,” they emphasize that many critics have also quietly benefitted from his outreach and generosity, including food relief, event sponsorships, and unpublicized donations.
From infrastructure to empowerment and federal lobbying, Karimi’s performance continues to shape political conversations in Kogi West as a model of effective representation and development-driven politics.
