By Our Reporter

Member representing Lafia Central Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, has distributed empowerment items worth over N70 million to constituents, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development and improved livelihoods.
The empowerment programme, held in Lafia, featured the distribution of four Sharon buses, 22 motorcycles, and 60 grinding machines to beneficiaries across Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency. In addition, cash support was provided to women and students to boost small-scale businesses and support educational pursuits.
Speaking at the event, Akwashiki, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts, said the initiative was part of his ongoing efforts to uplift living standards and reward constituents for their support.
“The essence of leadership is to show love to your people and appreciate them for their support and votes,” he said. “I have provided boreholes, electricity, employment opportunities, JAMB registrations, and health interventions, among other programmes. By God’s grace, I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless.”
He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items and appealed to those yet to benefit to remain patient, assuring them of more opportunities in the future. He also called on Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious politics and instead support competent leaders.
Akwashiki used the occasion to declare his intention to contest for the Lafia/Obi House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), seeking the support of constituents.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, commended Akwashiki for his consistent empowerment initiatives and dedication to his constituents.
“This is the third time I am attending his empowerment programme. He is doing well and has his people at heart,” Jatau said, noting that lawmakers across party lines in the state are united in promoting good governance.
He also praised Akwashiki’s support for the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule and called for continued unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The event attracted prominent SDP figures and stakeholders, including the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe; its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; and members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Sarki Dahiru and Jonathan Gaza.
They lauded Akwashiki for his people-oriented projects and urged Nigerians to support SDP candidates in the 2027 elections. The leaders also advised beneficiaries not to sell the distributed items but to use them productively to improve their standard of living.
Some beneficiaries, including Evelyn Markus and Christiana Akolo, expressed gratitude for the gesture, pledging their continued support and prayers for the lawmaker’s political aspirations.
The colourful event also featured cultural dance performances by various ethnic groups, highlighting the diversity and unity of the constituency.