Senator Echocho’s lifelong commitment to his people, beyond politics

By: Aliyu Ajeka

Let me begin with the profound words of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who once said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.” These words resonate deeply when reflecting on the leadership and representation of Kogi East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

For decades, the most pervasive challenge surrounding the leadership of Kogi East has been the lack of quality, selfless, and competitive representation. The people have long suffered under a system where political sentiments, personal biases, and entrenched prejudices overshadow objectivity during elections. As a result, successive senators have primarily served their own interests and that of their close allies, leaving the constituents deprived of true democratic dividends. This cycle of self-centered and parochial representation has hindered the progress of the district since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Over the years, Kogi East has witnessed a series of broken promises, incompetence, voicelessness, and failed leadership. In fact, there have been numerous allegations against past senators who, rather than delivering much-needed infrastructure and development, diverted resources meant for the people for their personal gain. This vicious cycle of failed representation persisted until 2019, when a new dawn emerged with the election of Dr. Jibrin Isah Echocho.

Dr. Jibrin Isah Echocho; a reluctant leader called to serve, did not initially seek to contest for the senatorial seat in 2019. After two unsuccessful gubernatorial bids, despite massive support from the people, he had resolved to step back from the political stage and focus on his personal life. He had endured turbulent political experiences, and for the sake of his well-being, he was reluctant to return to the political battlefield.

However, the relentless pleas from eminent personalities and the people of Kogi East convinced him to reconsider. They saw in him the only leader capable of breaking the cycle of failed representation and steering the district towards progress. After much persuasion, Dr. Echocho accepted the call to serve and contested the senatorial election.

A trailblazer in banking and education, long before his foray into politics in 2009, the name “Echocho” was a household name, not just in Kogi State but across Nigeria. Rising through the ranks in the banking sector, Dr. Jibrin Isah Echocho mentored and facilitated the careers of many young Kogites, helping them secure positions in the corporate world. Today, many modern banking professionals of Kogi origin owe their success to his influence and generosity.

Beyond personal achievements, he played a pivotal role in establishing major commercial banks in Kogi East, ensuring that cities like Anyigba, Idah, Ankpa, and others had access to banking services. This singular effort significantly boosted commercial activities in the region.

Understanding that education is the bedrock of development, Dr. Echocho chose to invest in human capital rather than luxury assets. At a time when many elites of Kogi East were building hotels and businesses far from home, he chose to give back to his community by establishing Isah Memorial School in Ajiyolo, Dekina Local Government Area.

For over 19 years, Isah Memorial School has remained a beacon of academic excellence, consistently winning national awards in various subjects. Today, it is not only a Grade-A secondary school but also one of the most affordable in the region. This was deliberate; Dr. Echocho’s vision was to increase enrollment rates and ensure quality education was accessible to all.

Beyond education, the school has created numerous job opportunities for the people of Kogi State, employing a significant number of academic and non-academic staff. Additionally, through the Echocho Scholarship Scheme, thousands of Kogi citizens, especially those from Kogi East have received funding to study both within Nigeria and abroad.

Even before his entry into politics, the Echocho Foundation had been actively catering to different segments of society, including religious organizations, the elderly, and the youth, ensuring that support reached those who needed it most.

Describing it as a resounding mandate, the 2019 senatorial election in Kogi East remains one of the most peaceful, rancor-free, and widely accepted elections in the state’s history. Dr. Echocho secured an overwhelming mandate, a reflection of  the unwavering trust the people had in his ability to deliver.

True to his campaign promises, he hit the ground running, ensuring that the voices, needs, and aspirations of Kogi East were consistently echoed on the floor of the Nigerian Senate. Through his legislative interventions and grassroots projects, he has brought tangible progress to his constituents.

If there is one factor that defines Dr. Jibrin Isah Echocho’s political success, it is his selflessness and unparalleled commitment to his people. Unlike many past leaders, he has chosen to invest heavily in his home state, ensuring that his people enjoy access to a better quality of life.

Since 1999, Kogi East has had many senators, but Echocho stands out as the only one whose major investments are at home, directly impacting his constituents. His leadership philosophy is guided by the fear of God, and his actions reflect a genuine desire to uplift his people rather than enrich himself.

As the political landscape begins to shift towards the 2027 elections, one thing remains certain; the people of Kogi East will not forget the man who chose to invest in his community for their socio-economic improvement rather than amass wealth elsewhere.

They will remember:

The man who, even before politics, changed the lives of countless graduates from Kogi State. The man who built institutions that empowered young people with knowledge and opportunities.The man who gave Kogi East a voice in the Nigerian Senate after years of failed representation. And when the time comes, the people will not change course midstream.

In the next publication, we will take a detailed look at Dr. Jibrin Isah Echocho’s legislative achievements, his constituency projects, and how his policies have directly impacted the lives of Kogi East residents.

Stay tuned!

Aliyu Ajeka, Esq

Writes From Sabon Gari

Kaduna

Kaduna State