Fondly revered and venerated as Àdayi Ohere by his numerous admirers, mostly in Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Sadiku Abubakar Ohere has proven that effective legislative representation is not the exclusive preserve of long-serving lawmakers. His relatively brief yet impactful stint in the Nigerian Senate stands as a testament to what vision, dedication, and genuine service to the people can achieve.

In his relatively short yet impactful stint in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ohere proved that effective representation is not necessarily a function of multiple terms. Rather, it demands vision, dedication, and a sincere connection to both constituents and the nation.

A seasoned technocrat with over two decades of service in the Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, Senator Ohere’s legacy of public service began long before his foray into the reprehensible murky water of politics. His deep technical expertise laid a solid foundation for a career characterized by practical service delivery and an unwavering drive to effect meaningful change.

His reputation was further cemented during his tenure in the New Direction administration of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. There, he played a key role in policy implementation and infrastructural development. It is no surprise that F-GYB still holds him in high regard, referring to him by the Ebira honorific “Ozo’oboro”, meaning “worthy person” in English language.

Even before his senatorial debut, Ohere had already made significant contributions at the grassroots level. He spearheaded various community development initiatives across Kogi Central, drilling boreholes, renovating schools like Lennon Memorial College and St. Andrew’s Primary School, and enhancing healthcare delivery at institutions such as Okene General Hospital and Okengwe.

His commitment to local welfare extended to water reticulation projects and peace-building efforts through the Ebira Peace Project. His widely appreciated “Market Money” program empowered women traders, helping them establish sustainable livelihoods.

Before the age of viral hashtags and media visibility, Adayi Ohere was already a recognizable force in community development, and a name on everyone’s lips. He actively supported platforms like Proudly Anebira, which championed the cause of the Ebira people during times of limited government presence.

His dedication to Ebira progress was evident both online and offline, long before social media gave public service a spotlight.

As a senator, he distinguished himself as an active voice in national affairs. He raised several motions on critical issues including the recurrent collapse of buildings, the poor state of Nigerian roads, and the untapped potential of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. He also addressed the menace of flooding and erosion, offering forward-thinking solutions to mitigate their impacts.

On the legislative front, he proposed bills aimed at decentralizing the benefits of oil wealth and strengthening Nigeria’s local content laws. He championed the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre and played an instrumental role in Senate oversight functions—most notably contributing to renewed federal attention on the East-West Road, under the committee chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, from Bauchi State.

Senator Ohere’s leadership and competence earned him the chairmanship of a Senate committee on Local Content at the inaugurative stage of this 10th National Assembly , solidifying his reputation as a capable, humble and effective lawmaker.

In every role he has occupied, Senator Sadiku Abubakar Ohere has maximized the opportunities before him for the benefit of the people. His legacy is one of purposeful leadership and service driven by integrity.

Indeed, posterity will be kind to men of goodwill who serve with dedication and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Credit: Ozumi Abdul