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****Says Water, Health, Youth Employment remains priority in Nasarawa Egg on
By David Odama
The Member representing Nasarawa Eggon East Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Jacob Ajegana Kudu, has said his political journey has long been driven by rejection, perseverance while the two years of his lawmaking have been focused on solving fundamental issues confronting his constituents, particularly in the areas of access to water supply, healthcare and youth employment.
Speaking with journalists Monday in his office, Hon. Kudu maintained that his approach to leadership has been silent but strategic, placing priority on projects that impact positively on the lives of his constituent rather than politically motivated gestures.
“I didn’t come into office to make noise,” he said. “I came with a clear mission: to solve real problems, starting with water, which was the most pressing issue across the 152 polling units I visited during my campaign.”
According to him, one of the first constituency projects he executed was the construction of a motorised borehole in Alizaga Ward in April 2024, aimed at addressing the water scarcity facing residents including other 7 boreholes in the constituency. He also pledged support for the construction of a mini-dam to ensure year-round water availability.
On healthcare, Hon. Kudu said he has intervened in several emergency medical cases by providing millions of naira in financial assistance to constituents suffering from life-threatening health conditions.
“Many people don’t know because I don’t publicise these things,” he explained. “But we have saved lives through timely medical support, and that’s more important to me than media coverage.”
He also disclosed that his office has facilitated employment for a number of youths from his constituency in both government and private institutions, while others have benefited from small grants and soft loans to establish businesses.
“Unemployment among young people is a time bomb. My job is to open doors where possible and provide tools where necessary,” Kudu said.
The lawmaker who served as Special Assistant to Governor Tanko Al-Makura, contested the Assembly seat under the APC in 2018 but lost the primary. later resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he contested in the 2019 elections without success.
He returned to APC and won the seat during the 2023 general elections with 11,114 votes, defeating his PDP opponent who polled 10,580 votes.
Reflecting on his political journey, Hon. Kudu said, “My story is one of perseverance. I’ve been rejected, I’ve lost elections, but I never gave up because I knew I had something to offer.”
He said the legal affirmation of his election by both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal further strengthened his resolve to serve without bias.
“I told my constituents that whether you voted for me or not, I will serve you equally. That promise still stands,” he added.
Responding to criticism that he is less visible than other politicians, Hon. Kudu replied, “I believe in impact, not noise. If a borehole quenches the thirst of a community, if a young man gets a job and starts feeding his family, that’s the kind of visibility I want.”
The lawmaker also reaffirmed his commitment to education and infrastructural development. He said plans are underway to attract both government and NGO support for the renovation of schools and community facilities across the constituency.
“Education is the foundation of development. I want to be remembered as someone who laid that foundation right,” he said.
Hon. Kudu who urged his constituents to hold him accountable if he fails to represent them effectively however appreciated the support and efforts of his people to bring more development to the area.
“To my critics, thank you for keeping me grounded. To my supporters, I will not disappoint you. My doors remain open to everyone,” he concluded.
“My focuse will remain on areas of benefits as I enter the second half of my legislative term. I will consolidate on gains and expanding reach, especially in health, education, water, and economic empowerment for the youth and women”, the lawmaker declared.
