Yuletide Season: Former Kogi Speaker, Matthew Kolawole Empowers 500 Widows in Kabba
Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the House of Representatives, Prince Matthew Kolawole, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement over what he described as the politics of absence in representing the Kabba/Bunu–Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Kolawole made this known on Monday in Kabba while speaking at his annual widows’ empowerment programme, an initiative he personally founded over 15 years ago as part of his commitment to social responsibility and community development.
In an educative address, Kolawole criticized the current representative of the constituency, describing his approach as a misplaced priority, especially at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
- Advertisement -
He noted that while leaders who truly have the interest of their people at heart remain accessible and present during festive periods, the sitting lawmaker was reportedly outside the country, disconnected from the realities on ground.
According to Kolawole, representation must be people-driven, rooted in empathy, accessibility, and consistent engagement with constituents, rather than physical and emotional distance from them.
He highlighted his long-standing contributions to the welfare of the people, including payment of school fees for indigent students, settlement of medical bills, facilitation of job opportunities, and sustained empowerment programmes across the constituency.
He said these efforts have earned him strong organic grassroots support and position him as a credible alternative ahead of 2027. Kolawole reaffirmed his intention to contest and win the APC ticket, expressing confidence that the people are ready to embrace leadership that truly reflects their yearnings and aspirations.
On national issues, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent efforts to address insecurity across the country and praised Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for strengthening peace and security in Kogi State. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon overcome its security challenges.
At the event, 500 widows were empowered with food items including rice, beans, garri, clothing materials, and a cash support of ₦10,000 each. Kolawole stated that such interventions reflect the kind of inclusive governance he plans to promote through legislation if elected.
He explained that his legislative priorities would extend beyond infrastructure to include laws that support vulnerable groups, provide palliatives, tackle the issue of out-of-school children, and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths.
Recalling his tenure as a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Kolawole cited a skills acquisition programme he initiated in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), noting that many beneficiaries have since become self-reliant and are now supporting their families.
He concluded by stressing that true leadership is measured by impact, presence, and service to the people, not by distance from them.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 30TH 2025)
