The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Foundation has granted about N20 million to empower some small-scale entrepreneurs in Kwara State as part of its economic empowerment programme for the vulnerable in the society.
Promoted by a former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the foundation explained that the gesture resonated with the promoter’s vision to give back to the society.
He said: “I have been doing this for decades. I have a passion to make society better. It is not about having a deep pocket, but about commitment and passion to help people just as God has also helped me.”
Olawepo-Hashim admonished the beneficiaries to put the grant to good use and shun the temptation of lavishing it on frivolities and liabilities.
“Don’t eat the seed, plant and nurture it to produce more fruits to better your lives, so that you too can empower people.
“Nigeria was once a productive nation, producing clothes, cars, pharmaceuticals, etc.”
We must go back to the old and glorious path. We can start by these small steps,” he urged.
The philanthropist added: “What I can do at this time when things are really bad is to show love to underprivileged people in particular, and that we have been doing for decades.
In his remarks, the Coordinator of Gbenga Olwaepo-Hashim Youth Vanguard, Mallam Naallah Azeez, described Olawepo-Hashim as an undiluted politician and a great mentor, adding that the Otoge revolution that changed the political dynamics in Kwara in 2019 was started by him.
Mr. Yinka Babatunde Alanamu equally commended the politician for “spending his own money to empower us.”
A representative of the Ifesowapo Community area of Ilorin, Pastor Samson Abodunrin, recalled Olawepo-Hashim’s profound assistance to the settlement by “grading our road and constructing drainages for us.”
He added: “We really appreciate his great gesture. What you don’t appreciate, will depreciate. We will continue to appreciate his great contribution, which has been a great relief to us.”
