BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Irrespective of religion or whatsoever belief, human beings, daily ask the Creator for guidance and direction before leaving their respective homes. For many people, given the realities of accentuating poverty, pervading hunger, corrosive hardship, disabling unemployment, and economic squalor that is sweeping the country, this request has become must-do.
A few months back, the writer was in Kubwa, at the instance of a senior friend for a prospective discussion. Kubwa, by the way is unarguably, the biggest and most populated satellite town in Abuja. Referred to as “Abuja Substitute” because many of those who work in the capital city live in Kubwa; a very heterogenous town populated by civil servants, the middle-class, businessmen, entrepreneurs, artisans, and those in the informal and semi-formal sectors. 
The writer had a personal experience which confirmed the potency of this silent wish. Driving through the early-afternoon rain, after about 20 minutes, one was welcomed into the Mart View Lounge; venue of the meeting by the host. Impressed by the ambience, facilities, and services, the host beckoned on one of the senior staff members to lead us on a guided tour of the resort. The Lounge, in many ways can compete with a few of those in Gwarimpa, Jabi, Wuse, Garki, and Wuse 2 Districts. Towards the end of about an hour’s discussion, one’s attention drifted to a table not far off as four middle-aged men were engrossed in a hearty and engaging political talk.
A few minutes later, the name of the topic of this treatise featured prominently in their discourse.
Like a newshound who sniffed a potential scoop, one had to take a few, quick steps and joined the quartet to hear more. Shocked by the intrusion, the writer had to do a brief introduction, which proved useful after all. Convinced that “one of us” – though more of a local diasporan – had joined the “platform” they resumed discussions. With renewed enthusiasm, they rolled out reasons for being in the mood. Exuding confidence, they projected that TeeJay Yusuf would be voted as the next Senator for Kogi West in the January 2027 general elections.
One decided to play the devil’s advocate to ascertain their understanding of politics, particularly in Kogi West, extrapolate the antecedents and past achievements of Yusuf vis-a-vis his chances. Taking these as challenges, the four-men; like brilliant students in an exam acquitted themselves creditably.
In great measures, reports and observations confirmed the opinions and comments by the quartet. In his tour of duty as the representative of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, between 2011 and 2023, Yusuf, confirmed the words of Stephen Covey that, “what you do has far greater impact than what you say.” This, he started early. One recalls that at an event held in Abuja – a few weeks before the 2011 general elections, he made some bold statements, which many described as the usual melody by politicians.
Yusuf declared, “by the Grace of God, I am going to hit the ground running after winning the elections,” and pledged to begin “an immediate education initiative for secondary school students.” Finally, he promised, “I will bring a new phase of responsiveness, resourcefulness, and responsibility to representation. I will be different.”
Barely a month after Inauguration as a Member of the 7th House of Representatives, Yusuf organized a four-week summer school studies for students, called “Back-To-School” in seven centres spread across the constituency. He confirmed Abraham Lincoln’s counsel that, “commitment is what transforms a promise to reality,” as he sustained and improved the curriculum, structure, and benefits of the initiative for 12 years.
The centres were increased to over a dozen for more coverage; participation increased from the initial 2,000+ to over 10,000 – including students from other communities and states holidaying in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency; scholarship and other incentives were increased. To enhance the intelligence quotient, confidence, and capacity of students, the annual “TeeJay Yusuf/NTA Kabba Quiz Competition” was added.
At a function, Yusuf confessed that his passion and bias for education is borne out of the realization that, “it is the bedrock for personal growth, community development, and national transformation.”
From records, Yusuf eminently discharged his responsibilities as the representative of his constituency. For 12 years, he excelled in each of the three primary duties of a Legislator; Law-Making, Oversight, and Representation. He moved about 100 Motions, and 20 Bills; that are people-focused, development-driven, targeted at good governance, and the development of public institutions.
At every point of legislative work, either at plenary sessions, committees discourse, or oversight engagements, Yusuf’s commitment and contributions were visibly evident. Never a back-bencher, seat-warmer, or one to go “deaf and dumb” when national issues were discussed and debated, he canvasses his points with detailed analysis, unmistakable patriotism, and resolute conviction. A senior journalist who craved anonymity confirmed that, “TeeJay Yusuf was one of the brilliant minds that made the 7th House the delight of many people. He is fearless, bold, intelligent, and takes position on issues not minding if he is alone.”
In representation, which involves constituency development, Yusuf’s style was different and unique. Deploying his social crusader and negotiation skills, acquired as a student unionist and former Secretary-General of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), he collaborated with public servants, colleagues, and other like minds – some are from his constituency, Kogi West, and Kogi State. For him, attracting projects and programmes to the people is not, and can never be a “one-man show.” Yusuf declared that, “though the Legislator will be the anchor, the efforts and input of others is necessary.” The results of this and his commitment to development crystallized to numerous projects, programmes, and initiatives across the 30 Wards of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency. For 12 years, his footprints in education, healthcare, power, water, roads, agriculture, skills development, employment generation, and some other sectors were visible in many towns and communities within the constituency; and even beyond.
Over the years, conscious of the enormous natural endowments and human resources in Kogi West, Yusuf has always reached out to communities and people outside his constituency. At every point, he builds enduring bridges of relationships and interactions with different people; irrespective of age, tribe, religion, and political affinities. To underscore the importance of unity as a strategic ingredient for development, he pioneered the “Interactive Dinner For Public Servants And Others” in 2013. The initiative which ran for about a decade, became a veritable platform for connectivity, networking, unity, and community development. Mr. Ola Fatoye, a retired federal bureaucrat confessed that, “unknown to the Initiator, many of us leveraged on the platform for career progression. Some of the friends I made at the yearly event contributed massively to my career till I retired, and even now. Sadly, none of our legislators are doing a similar programme.”
With his emergence as a candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial elections scheduled for January 2027, many people – including supporters, political associates, and some other groups – are optimistic that the time is now.
Recall that he made an unsuccessful bid for the same position in 2023. However, many people argue that having had 12 unbroken years in the House, where he acquitted himself as a consummate and committed legislator who was (and still) readily accessible and available to the people, prioritizing their needs and desires in the course of being their voice and solicitor, 2027 is the most appropriate time to promote him to the Red Chamber.
Some others affirmed that, in and out of public office, he has refused to be individualistic, preferring rather, to work and seek for the good of his people. It is generally believed that, if successful, he will do the same for the contiguous catchments across the sprawling sub-country of Kogi West, which stretches from Chikara, abutting the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), onwards to Egbe in Yagba West LGA. They are confident that with the enormous legislative experience in his pouch, the entire 85 wards, in the 7 LGAs constituting the Senatorial District will be the ultimate beneficiary, if he is entrusted with the collective electoral franchise of the people.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
