Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe: A parliamentarian with unparalleled legacy

On June 8, 2023, the Nigerian 9th National Assembly wound down its business . While constituents, political pundits will continue to take the stock of the assembly especially the red chamber on what it was able to do and what it could not, one man that will stand out in the roll call is Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe.

The Senator, who represented Kwara Central senatorial district in the most unexpected way gave credence to the popular cliché of ‘not how far but how well’.

Oloriegbe, within his four years at the red chamber has achieved more than what many expected. A medical doctor by profession, the Ilorin-born APC Chieftain as a first timer in the Senate served as the chairman of the outgoing Senate Health Committee and Vice-Chairman, of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although, he had an experience in Legislative business and proceedings as a former lawmaker at the Kwara State House of Assembly between 1999-2003 and the Majority leader of the house, neither was he expected to understand the dynamics and intricacies of the multi-cultural and multi-dimensional nature and dealings of the red chamber.

Fast forward to 2023, Oloriegbe did not only break records, but has also etched his name in the history book with all his endearing legacies which he achieved through bills and facilitation of impactful projects to his constituency.

His proactiveness and sense of duty saw him sponsoring and co-sponsoring motions not less than twenty whilst he also personally sponsored fifteen bills of National importance and impacts.

Award-winning Oloriegbe had eleven of these fifteen bills passed into law, a feat that saw him eclipsing many of his peers in terms of legislative achievements. Four of these eleven bills were assented into law by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari- an unusual accomplishment by a ‘newbie’.

Amongst many of his bills that ultimately became an act were National Health Insurance, Mental Health bill and another one which eventually established the first Federal Neuropsychiatry Hospital in the North-Central Geopolitical zone of Nigeria at Budo-Egba in Asa local government area of Kwara State.

Also, he was able to attract federal agencies like the National Health Insurance Authority, 120-bed Aisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Eiyenkorin, Asa local government; Comprehensive Health Centre, Oko Olowo, the Ilorin Emirate Mobile Health Clinic and the Drugs and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre Budo Egba.

Although, Senator Oloriegbe was unable to return back to the red chamber, his achievements will continue to speak to his rich and inestimable contributions to the development of his constituents and the country at large.

For many, he remain an invaluable asset to the country at large. His vision has endeared him to discerning minds and his work ethics is regarded as second to none especially in the face of the popular impression of negligence and dereliction of duties that has come to characterize the activities of public servants in Nigeria.

Expectedly, he would later crown his memorable voyage to the Senate with a meritorous award from OrderPaper – a  reputable media organisation assessing the performances of the National Assembly lawmakers.

Although, it was not the only award the former Senator had to his credit, the recognition from OrderPaper can be described as one of the best he has ever as he was rated as one of the best lawmakers and was inducted alongside two other Senators and two House of Representatives Members into the first-ever Hall of Fame of Most Valuable Parliamentarians’ in recognition of their immeasurable service to the Nation