By Abu Micheal
Never in the history of representation has Omala State Constituency gotten it as good as it is today. From Abejukolo to Bagana, from Oforachi to Icheke, from Ijaha to Alloma, from the Anyigba-Omala axis to the riverine communities, the story is the same. The people are seeing government up close, and they like what they see. It is for this reason that the general belief across Omala today is simple and direct: Omala will be better with another term for Hon. Umar Yahaya.
Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly called “Connect,” has brought a new face to representation in Omala State Constituency. He is a man sold out to leaving marks on the sands of time. In the Kogi State House of Assembly, his name has become a reference point. Colleagues cite him. Communities point to him. And constituents measure other lawmakers against him.
As published in time past, Hon. Umar’s accomplishments are numerous and cut across every sector that touches the life of the people. In education, he has facilitated classroom renovations, provided learning materials, and supported indigent students across the 10 wards of Omala. In health, primary health centers in Abejukolo, Bagana and other districts have received attention, with provisions for drugs and medical outreaches that put care within reach of the common man. In infrastructure, he has pushed for rural roads, solar street lights and water projects that connect villages that were once cut off. In youth and women empowerment, “Connect” has sponsored skills training, provided starter packs, and facilitated federal and state appointments for Omala sons and daughters. In agriculture, he has supported farmers with inputs and advocacy for better access to markets. In security and community peace, his constant interface with traditional rulers, youth leaders and security agencies has helped to keep Omala stable at a time when many areas are under pressure. It is this presence, this visibility, that made constituents begin to ask: where is he getting the resources, and what mould makes him different from past lawmakers? The answer is in his approach. He treats public office as service, not entitlement. He sets pace as never witnessed in time past.
The nickname “Connect” did not come by accident. Hon. Umar connects people to government. He connects projects to communities. He connects young people to opportunities. That is why, as 2027 draws near, political analysts are already making permutations and singling out Omala Constituency as “done and dusted” for the All Progressives Congress and for Hon. Umar Yahaya. The reason is not propaganda. It is performance. In all spheres of representation, as much as you try to find him wanting, every argument drags you back to a man cut out for selfless service. He has become a shining example for others to come.
Those who know him describe his lifestyle as one moulded in the character of the first republic politicians. Men who, rather than pursue personal comfort and stashing resources, were more concerned about the tomorrow that will come. They strove to leave a better name. That is Umar Yahaya. He is accessible in Abejukolo. He listens in Bagana. He shows up in Oforachi. He follows up in Icheke. He is present in Ijaha, Alloma and every other district. He does not wait for election season to remember Omala. He lives with the people, and he carries their burdens to the floor of the Assembly and to government offices in Lokoja and Abuja. Hon. Umar has said it up to the tenth time: life in service as a representative is not worth living if it is not about leaving the position given by the people better than you met it. That conviction drives him.
What Omala has in Hon. Umar are all the qualities needed of an effective lawmaker working in one man. He represents every district with fairness, from the agrarian communities to the riverine areas, ensuring no part of Omala is left behind. He engages in legislation that protects the interests of his people and advances development in Kogi State. He provides oversight by asking questions, following projects, and ensuring government programs reach Omala. He delivers constituency service through scholarships, healthcare support, roads and empowerment. He leads with integrity and remains accessible, a man the people can see, call, and hold accountable. Above all, he governs with vision and patriotism, building for the next generation, not just the next election.
Omala State Constituency has tasted purposeful representation. To go backwards now would be to gamble with progress. Another term for Hon. Umar Yahaya is not about one man. It is about consolidation. It is about completing projects, deepening impact, and ensuring that the gains of today become the foundation for a greater tomorrow. Hon. Umar Yahaya from all intent and purposes deserves commendation. But more than commendation, he deserves the mandate of the people again. For Omala, for the APC, and for the future of good governance in Kogi State, the choice is clear. Omala has found its voice. Let the voice continue.
