By Golfa Saiku, Yola
A political aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing the Guyuk and Shelleng Federal Constituency, Barrister Eli Jegubara Gamaliel, has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on modern agriculture, youth education, and social welfare for the elderly as part of his drive to transform the constituency.
Speaking on his vision for the largely agrarian constituency, Gamaniel stressed that with the right farming techniques and agricultural technology, farmers do not necessarily need vast hectares of land to achieve high yields.
According to him, one of the key reasons behind his decision to venture into politics is to build strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders that would bring agricultural technological advancement to local farming communities.
“Our environment is blessed with fertile land, and we already have major investments like the Dangote Sugar Refinery and other agro-based industries around our communities. What we want to do is encourage these companies to extend their corporate social responsibility programmes to local farmers,” he said.
He explained that such partnerships would enable farmers to participate directly in the production chains of these companies, gain access to improved seedlings, modern farming techniques, and mechanized equipment capable of boosting productivity and income.
Gamaliel lamented the absence of government-owned tractors in both Guyuk and Shelleng despite the vast expanse of arable land available in the area.
“With all the large farmlands between Guyuk and Shelleng, there is not a single tractor owned by the local governments. It is a crisis situation. What we currently have is subsistence farming instead of commercial farming that can compete in export markets,” he stated.
He added that although the people possess the capacity for large-scale agricultural production, many farmers are limited to “farm-to-eat” practices due to lack of support and infrastructure.
“That must change. My commitment is to ensure our farming communities scale up their production, improve yields and become competitive in the market,” he added.
The aspirant disclosed that he has already established farming groups that would serve as platforms for distributing palliatives and introducing modern farming practices to local farmers.
Gamaliel also praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity across the country.
“Mr President has already done well, but what we want is visibility in our community so that Guyuk and Shelleng are not left behind in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.
He said his aspiration is to ensure that federal agricultural programmes and interventions are effectively brought closer to the people, thereby reducing dissatisfaction and improving livelihoods in a constituency where farming remains the dominant occupation.
Advocates Social Security for the Elderly
On social welfare, Gamaniel emphasized the need for policies that would provide protection and care for elderly citizens, describing such initiatives as consistent with international standards and humane values.
He said society must begin to deliberately care for vulnerable senior citizens who have spent their productive years contributing to national development but now have little or no support system.
“These elderly people have sacrificed so much for society, yet many of them have nothing to fall back on — no insurance, no social protection,” he said.
Gamaliel noted that his passion for elderly welfare is not merely political, but a cause he has consistently supported over the years. According to him, he celebrates his birthday annually with elderly people in the community, where he dines with them and provides support in his own little way as a means of identifying with and appreciating them.
He pledged that if elected, he would pursue policies and legislation focused on elderly welfare, including social security arrangements for citizens above the age of 65.
“There is nothing wrong with establishing social security systems and elderly homes as practiced in other countries. We want an arrangement where elderly people are properly cared for and live in dignity,” he added.
Education Remains Key to Development
Speaking on education, the legal practitioner described learning as the foundation for societal advancement and competitiveness.
“Education is the bedrock of every progressive society. For our constituency to compete globally, we must educate not just the young ones, but also adults because learning is a continuous process,” he stated.
He revealed that his team has already introduced scholarship programmes and school support initiatives that provide students with school bags, books, and shoes.
Gamaliel further disclosed that he has entered into partnership with Bat, to support school children in the constituency.
Recalling his childhood memories, he said: “I remember going to parades at Ribadu Square wearing Bata sandals and shoes. Being able to partner with Bata today and bring those opportunities to my community is deeply fulfilling.”
According to him, the partnership also includes scholarship opportunities for outstanding students in Mathematics and Science-related subjects.
He stressed the need for greater emphasis on science and technology education to prepare young people for an increasingly digital and technologically-driven world.
“Social sciences are important, but science and technology courses are urgently needed because the world is becoming more digital and more precise. If we fail to produce scientists and technology-driven professionals, we risk being left behind,” he said.
