There is no need allowing political bitterness to deny people of applauding elected officials who through the act of magnanimity ensure delivery of democratic dividend to the people.
Sensor Jibrin Isah, the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, recently donated 20 Million naira to 20 of his constituents as business empowerment after thorough, witty and well scrutinized selection processes.
The beneficiaries, according to reports, cut across the nine local government areas, making up the state Eastern senatorial zone of the Confluence state.
This magnanimous acts even though it is his constitutional role has raised some dust from some quarters as some people believe that the distributed amount should have been reduced to have many other people included. Other critiques who didn’t have beneficiaries from their locality also lent their voice of accusations.
Like a dancing masquerade who brings honour to its owner, Senator Echocho should be praised for such initiative and not to be accused of anyone for a golden interventions that is capable of taking at least 20 people from the labour market.
Based on the available report, the beneficiaries of the said gestures by Senator Echocho were not handpicked through nepotistic channel but were deemed qualified after rigorous selection process, culminating from their business proposals and their subsequent physical appearances for interview and pitching.
Based on testimonials available on the internet, majority of the people who benefitted from the senator Jibrin’s business empowerment scheme never knew anyone linked to the seat of power. Their brilliance, commitment and a quantum of God’s favour saw them through.
In such a scheme as this, it is good we let ourselves know that, not everyone will be picked and this is not withstanding where you are coming from. Whoever hails from Kogi east and that is a graduate was qualified and their input during the selection processes defined their lot.
We do know that in politics, our elected officials owe us explanation about their handling of our mandate but when they perform and act well, we should also be quick to praise them. Praise is a lubricant and it helps the dancer to dance well while on the stage.
If the selection process of a scheme does not involve political method, then interested individuals with good business ideas should endeavor to put in their best to come out outstandingly. This involve knowing how to write and have a professionally written business plan and also know how to pitch business ideas before an investor. One with impeccable pitch goes home with the money.
I am personally proud of senator Jibrin ISAH on this business empowerment scheme and I am appealing to him to consider having a second batch to enable it trickling down to more constituents.
– Oyigu Onuche Elijah writes from Abuja.