By joshua Chief Erico Visits Omala, Pledges To Prioritise Constituency Development, Support Security Efforts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kogi East, Chief (Dr.) Joseph Ameh Erico, has assured the people of Omala Local Government Area of his commitment to attracting more federal projects, employment opportunities and other development benefits to the area if elected to the Senate in 2027.
Chief Erico gave the assurance during a visit to Omala, where he was received by party supporters, loyalists, political leaders and other stakeholders. His visit included a stop at the palace of the Onu-Ife and Chairman of the Omala Traditional Council, HRH Chief Boniface Musa, who received him alongside other traditional rulers.
At the palace, the traditional ruler reminded the senatorial hopeful that the welfare of the people must remain the priority of anyone seeking public office.
The royal father urged him to keep Omala and other parts of Igala land in mind in his plans, stressing the need for elected representatives to make the interests of their constituents a central part of their service.
Responding, Chief Erico thanked the traditional ruler and other royal fathers for the warm reception, recalling his previous visits to the palace during earlier political engagements.
He described the people of Omala as trustworthy and dependable, assuring the traditional rulers that the local government would not be left out of his development plans if he secured a seat in the National Assembly.
The visit continued at the main event venue, where political leaders and community representatives took turns to express their support for his senatorial ambition and outline the expectations of the people.
The member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, described the people of Omala as politically committed, saying they were known to stand by decisions reached collectively.
Hon. Yahaya assured the senate hopeful of the support of the Omala APC, expressing confidence that the people would mobilise behind the party’s candidate during the 2027 senatorial election.
He also pointed to Chief Erico’s experience in the private security sector as an important advantage, saying it could help him contribute to efforts to address security challenges confronting Omala and other communities across Kogi East.
The Executive Chairman of Omala Local Government Area, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, commended the Kogi State Government for its interventions in tackling security concerns in the area since the beginning of his administration.
The council Boss also assured Chief Erico of the support of the people, saying youths, women and elders were united behind his aspiration.
He, however, drew attention to the development challenges facing the local government, urging the candidate to give the area special consideration if elected.
“The development of our dear local government area is not where we want it to be yet. We need more attention in terms of infrastructure, security and opportunities for our people,” the chairman said.
“We are asking Chief Erico to make Omala an important part of his development agenda because we are confident of his victory, by God’s grace.”
Hon. Mark expressed optimism that Erico would deliver on his promises, citing his record and previous engagements with the people as reasons for confidence in his candidacy.
Other several speakers at the gathering echoed the call for greater development attention to Omala, particularly in security, infrastructure, youth empowerment and employment. They also pledged to mobilise their supporters for the APC candidate in the forthcoming election.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Erico thanked the people for their patience, support and impressive turnout, reiterating his commitment to improving the lives of constituents across the nine local government areas of Kogi East Senatorial District.
Describing Omala as his second home, he said he understood the expectations of the people and would work to ensure that the area received greater attention in the distribution of development projects and opportunities.
“Though I’m not here for campaign yet but the crowd I’m seeing already tells the story. Omala is my second home, and I will not forget the people. If given the opportunity to serve, I will ensure that the area benefits from development initiatives and other opportunities available through the National Assembly,” he said.
The APC candidate explained that his ambition was driven by the desire to provide effective representation and help constituents access more federal programmes and opportunities.
He specifically pledged to pursue federal employment opportunities for qualified constituents, particularly young people, whom he said deserved greater access to jobs and other means of economic advancement.
Chief Erico also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts to improve security, noting the importance of peace and safety to the development of communities across the district.
As part of his support for the gathering, the senatorial candidate donated the sum of N5 million towards the event.
Highlights of the events included cultural displays by various groups, adding colour to the occasion and showcasing the rich cultural identity of the people of Omala.
Among the dignitaries at the visit were Chief Hon. Alih Ajuh; Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Aboh; Hon. Unekwu Akubo; Hon. Moses Idoko Ododo; Hon. Gabriel Olofu; Chief Hon. Rabiu Alfa; Hon. Arome Adoji; Hon. Nasir Alfa; Hon. Friday Nicodemus Adejoh; Hon. Rai Daniel, Hon. John Adama, alongside other political leaders and stakeholders.