Former REA Boss Joins house of reps race in Adamawa, pledges improve livelihoods

Former REA Boss joins House of Reps race in Adamawa, pledges improve livelihoods.

By Umar Dankano, Yola.

Former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA.and as Aspir ant of the Yola North, Yola South and Girei federal constituency in the 2027 polls,Engr. Ahmad Salihijo has pledged to transform and improve livelihoods of his constituents through sustainable development.

Engr.Salihijo made the pledge during a series of engagements,consultations and meetings with stakeholders, youth and women groups, and community lea ders across the federal constituency in Adamawa state assuring to push an open door policy if given the mandate.

Salihijo reflected on his journey in public service and how it shaped his approach to leadership,governance,& development stressing that, his experience at the federal Agency,REA.has exposed him to the realities faced by millions of citizens living in underserved communities and reinforced his belief that leadership must focus on long term solutions capable of creating lasting economic and social impact.

“My time in the Rural Electrification Agency was one of the most important experiences of my life because it gave me the opportunity to see Nigeria from the grassroots. It showed me communities that had enormous potential but lacked access to critical infrastructure that could unlock opportunities,” Salihijo said.

He explained that rural electrification is not merely about power supply, but about building the foundation for economic productivity, healthcare delivery, education and community growth.

“When electricity gets to a rural community, it changes everything. Small businesses can stay open longer, healthcare facilities can preserve medicines and operate equipment, students can study in better conditions and young people can build enterprises around technology and innovation. Development starts to move from theory into reality,” he stated.

Salihijo noted that his years working in the public sector taught him the importance of sustainability in policy implementation, adding that many interventions fail because they are designed for political visibility rather than long term impact.

“One of the lessons I learned in public service is that sustainable solutions are always better than temporary applause. Communities deserve projects that will continue to serve them years after commissioning, not initiatives that disappear after political cycles,” he said.

Residents and supporters who attended the consultations described Salihijo as a technocrat with practical governance experience and a strong understanding of development issues affecting local communities.

They also applauded his background in infrastructure and public administration, noting that his experience distinguishes him from many politicians whose exposure is limited to partisan politics.

Ismail Modibbo, in Yola South said Salihijo’s public sector experience reflects an understanding of how government systems function beyond campaign promises.

“Many people speak about development, but not everyone has managed projects that directly affected communities across the country. His experience in the Rural Electrification Agency gives him a practical understanding of sustainable development,” the stakeholder said.

Observers at the consultations noted that Salihijo’s remarks reflected a broader focus on sustainable development and governance driven by expertise and implementation capacity rather than conventional political rhetoric.

As consultations continue across Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency, supporters say his background in public service and infrastructure development continues to resonate with many residents who are seeking practical leadership focused on measurable progress and long term community impact.