By Abdul Mohammed Lawal
As the African proverb goes, “A lion only begets a lion, and a child who knows his heritage will not stray when entrusted with the goodwill of others.” Today’s article takes a step away from the norm to celebrate a brother I met in 2022 during my work with the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Council (YBPCC). Hon. Akus Lawal truly lives the meaning of this saying.
Fondly known as the “Homeboy” in Ankpa and surrounding areas, it’s inspiring to watch him continue the legacy of his late father, Alhaji Shehu Akus.
In Kogi politics, it’s rare to see a lawmaker who truly delivers. Hon. Akus, representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly (KSHA), has already achieved so much in just over a year that people are asking: Is he a member of the KSHA, or does he belong in the House of Representatives?
Hon. Akus has set the bar high for what a lawmaker can accomplish, especially in Kogi East. His exceptional performance on the floor of the KSHA, his dedication to empowering young people, and his genuine care for the socio-economic welfare of his constituents have made a real difference.
Let’s take a look at some of his impressive achievements:
1. Disbursed cash palliative to 150 students from Ankpa 1 State Constituency in higher institutions across the country in 2024.
2. Awarded scholarships to over 50 students in the College of Education Ankpa (34 students) and GloryLand Polytechnic (26 students), totaling over 9 million Naira for full tuition payment throughout their studies.
3. Paid for over 100 JAMB forms for students and organised a 3-month extra class for science students at Government Day Secondary School, Ankpa.
4. Distributed educational materials worth over 3 million Naira to pupils and students across his constituency.
5. Renovated five classroom blocks at Uferane LGEA Primary School, constructed two classroom blocks and renovated three blocks at Akwu LGEA Primary School, and built two new classroom blocks at both Ochunobi LGEA and Ojede Primary Schools. Ongoing renovations are also underway at Ogodo Community Secondary School.
6. Building a 25-bed capacity modern primary health centre in Akwu to serve over 20 communities, 90% completed and set to be commissioned in the 2nd quarter of 2025.
7. Constantly provided medical drugs and consumables to primary health centres in his constituency, including the one in Ochi, built by his late father in 1976.
8. Completed numerous borehole projects in communities across the 5 political wards of his constituency, with more in progress.
9. Ongoing effort to set up a computer institute to teach local youth valuable digital skills, preparing them for the future.
10. Initiated several MSME support initiatives and vocational trainings that have benefitted over 100 constituents.
Hon. Akus’s legislative work has been equally impressive. He raised motions on important issues, such as:
11. Highlighted the water challenges in Ankpa, leading to 300 million Naira being allocated in the 2025 budget for repairs and improvements.
12. Advocated for the poor state of the Ankpa to Abejukolo road, which is now part of the 2025 budget.
13. Successfully pushed for the inclusion of several rural access roads in the 2025 budget, such as the roads from Ojacchadu, Egbeche, Emanyi, Enale to Ojuwo, and Abache, Okenyi to Ejinya, aimed at improving farmers’ access.
14. Raised a motion that led to the allocation of funds for the facelift and renovation of Ankpa Zonal General Hospital in the 2025 budget, aimed at improving healthcare services for Ankpa and surrounding communities.
Wow! Is this all for just a little over a year as a legislature? It’s even more beautiful to know that this isn’t everything he has done!
Hon. Akus has proven that you don’t need years in office to make an impact. His accomplishments speak volumes, with many politicians, even those with multiple terms in office, not having achieved as much.
His approach is simple: listen to the people, be transparent, and stay focused on delivering results. His ability to make a real impact, even with a limited budget, shows that leadership isn’t just about money; it’s about how you use the resources at your disposal to better the lives of others.
Hon. Lawal Akus’s leadership is setting a new standard for what lawmakers can achieve. His work over the past year demonstrates that change is possible when you focus on the people’s needs. If he continues this momentum, there’s no doubt he will do even more for Kogi State and beyond.
So, is he just a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, or is he someone who could take on greater responsibilities in the future? With everything he’s accomplished so far, there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come.
Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for affording the people of Ankpa 1 State Constituency with the “Homeboy Experience.”
