The Senator, Representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sen. Sunday Steve Karimi has concluded arrangements to disburse N300million as scholarship to students across Kogi State in the coming weeks.
The Senator made the disclosure during a parley with journalists, in Lokoja on Saturday.
The parley was part of activities marking his second year in office.
Senator Karimi extensively outlined his achievements and ongoing projects, expressing satisfaction with his performance in the Senate so far.
He said : “Last year, I gave bursary of N100million to Kogi West students, but today, with the 96 Wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them.
“In Kogi Central where we have 57 Wards, I will give Kogi Central N61mln as bursary while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in this years bursary award under the name of Tinubu Support Group and Sen. Sunday Steve Karimi students Bursary Award for 2025.
“The total amount will amount to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do and it has started already.
“My bond of service to the people remains intact and unchanged
“I’m also working with Titcombe College Old Students Association, my Alma mata, to convert their old Library into Computer Based Test Centre (CBT).
“This is in order to stop citizens from not less than five local governments in Kogi West from travelling to Ajaokuta, Ilorin and other parts of Kwara State and even Niger State for Joint Admissions Board Exams.
“The Centre will also serve citizens from neighbouring States like Kwara and Ekiti States.
“My investment in the Centre will cost me not less than N160m.
“Aside the funding from the School Alumni Association, my part of funding includes but not limited to Provision of fresh 275 number laptops for the New centre (already delivered)
“Provision and necessary connections as well as fencing of the library and provision of necessary security wires(ongoing)
“I’m also carrying out the rehabilitation of water system in the school and connection of water system to the CBT Center as well as provision of Internet connections, expansions and cablings
“Similarly my intervention in the school includes the provision of 43.5kva Generator set in the Centre as well as other finishing works and accessories.
“The centre is to be ready by August 2025 and it is borne out of my desire to make an enduring impact on the people and improve access to quality education.”
Recalled that Sen. Karimi in 2024 gave out N100million scholarship awards to Kogi West Students.
He, however, said under the new arrangement, his N300million intervention will cut across the State.
Sen. Karimi reaffirmed his commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy to his constituents.
“I remain committed to bringing more developmental projects and democratic benefits to the people of Kogi West,” the lawmaker said.
Senator Karimi revealed that he has sponsored over ten bills, including an amendment to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, many of which have passed various stages in the legislative process.
Additionally, he said he moved over 30 motions in the Senate, touching on key issues of national and regional importance.
Highlighting his contributions to infrastructure, Karimi stated that numerous projects are currently ongoing across Kogi West.
“I have provided transformers and solar-powered streetlights to over 500 communities.
“We have also rehabilitated more than 140 boreholes to improve access to potable drinking water in areas like Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East, and Yagba West,” he explained.
He further noted that road projects worth over N2 billion are ongoing across the senatorial district, saying they are aimed at improving transportation and connectivity.
On health, Senator Karimi mentioned the construction of a cottage hospital in Edoo, Lokoja Local Government Area, as part of his intervention projects.
He also spoke about his personal investment in security, particularly the establishment of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) along the Kogi-Kwara border to combat criminal activities.
“I spent over N750 million on this security project out of love for my people,” he said.
Karimi also announced various empowerment initiatives, including the release of N100 million to support women in the district and another N60 million to a separate group of beneficiaries.
In addition,he said 1,000 students in Kogi West received a total of N100 million in scholarship funds.
Speaking on his contribution to the educational development of Kogi West, the senator announced plans to build a new Computer-Based Test (CBT) center in Yagba at a cost of over N250 million.
“Before now, there was only one CBT center between Egbe and Kabba. I have purchased 250 laptops, funded fencing, and other facilities to make the new center operational in the next three months,” he said.
Commending President Tinubu’s efforts in addressing inherited challenges, Senator Karimi said, “The President is doing well. We must continue to support his administration to ensure Nigeria progresses.”
He concluded by saying that his focus remains on service delivery and not media propaganda.
“I do what I do out of the fear of God and a genuine desire to serve my people,” he affirmed.
(vitalnewsngr.com)