Kogi: Sen. Karimi unveils plans for N300m bursary, CBT Centre

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi has announced plans to extend his bursary awards to students of higher institutions to the remaining two senatorial districts of the state and to build a new Computer-Based Test (CBT) center, valued at N160m in Yagba land, Kogi West senatorial district.

He made the disclosure during a parley with journalists in Lokoja on Saturday. The parley was part of activities marking his second year in office.

He outlined his achievements and ongoing projects, expressing satisfaction with his performance in the Senate so far.

The lawmaker said he is working with his alma mater, Titcombe College Old Students Association, to convert their old library into CBT Centre.

“Before now, there was only one CBT center between Egbe and Kabba. I have purchased 250 laptops, funded fencing, and other facilities to make the new center operational in the next three months.

“This is in order to stop citizens from not less than five local governments in Kogi West from travelling to Ajaokuta, Ilorin and other parts of Kwara State and even Niger State for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams.

“The centre will also serve citizens from neighbouring States like Kwara and Ekiti States. My investment in the Centre will cost me not less than N160m.

“I am also carrying out the rehabilitation of water system in the school and connection of water system to the CBT Center as well as provision of Internet connections, expansions and cablings

“Similarly my intervention in the school includes the provision of 43.5kva Generator set in the Centre as well as other finishing works and accessories.

“The centre is to be ready by August 2025 and it is borne out of my desire to make an enduring impact on the people and improve access to quality education,” he said.

Senator Karimi also announced that he has concluded arrangements to disburse N300 million as scholarships to students across Kogi State in the coming weeks.

“Last year, I gave bursary of N100 million to Kogi West students, but today, with the 96 Wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them.

“In Kogi Central where we have 57 Wards, I will give Kogi Central N61mln as bursary while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in this year’s bursary award under the name of Tinubu Support Group and Sen. Sunday Steve Karimi students bursary award for 2025..

Sen. Karimi reaffirmed his commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy to his constituents.

“I remain committed to bringing more developmental projects and democratic benefits to the people of Kogi West,” the lawmaker said.

Senator Karimi revealed that he has sponsored over ten bills, including an amendment to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, many of which have passed various stages in the legislative process.

Additionally, he said he moved over 30 motions in the Senate, touching on key issues of national and regional importance.

Highlighting his contributions to infrastructure, Karimi stated that numerous projects are currently ongoing across Kogi West.

“I have provided transformers and solar-powered streetlights to over 500 communities. We have also rehabilitated more than 140 boreholes to improve access to potable drinking water in areas like Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East, and Yagba West,” he explained.

He further noted that road projects worth over N2 billion are ongoing across the senatorial district, saying they are aimed at improving transportation and connectivity.

On health, Senator Karimi mentioned the construction of a cottage hospital in Edoo, Lokoja Local Government Area, as part of his intervention projects.

He also spoke about his personal investment in security, particularly the establishment of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) along the Kogi-Kwara border to combat criminal activities.

“I spent over N750 million on this security project out of love for my people,” he said.

Karimi also announced various empowerment initiatives, including the release of N100 million to support women in the district and another N60 million to a separate group of beneficiaries.

Commending President Tinubu’s efforts in addressing inherited challenges, Senator Karimi said, “The President is doing well. We must continue to support his administration to ensure Nigeria progresses.”