Aiyedatiwa urges office holders to empower needy

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged public office holders to support the government by giving back to their constituents.

Aiyedatiwa stated that empowering the people should be a collective effort to uplift communities and build a brighter future for children.

According to the governor, when political office holders give back to their people, they help a great deal in complementing the developmental efforts of the government.

The governor disclosed this yesterday during the official distribution of grants to artisans and exercise books to public primary school pupils by Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, the member representing Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, which was held at Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Council Area of the state.

While hailing Adefarati for his dedication to addressing the needs of his constituency, Aiyedatiwa noted that the grants would stimulate local entrepreneurship, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.

He said: “Let me commend our Hon. Member for this thoughtful initiative, which demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of our community. It is a testament to the power of public service and the positive impact that dedicated leaders can have on the lives of their constituents.

“Let me say these initiatives accord with our development agenda in the Sunshine State. We have also concluded plans to provide microcredit loans to artisans in the state.

“The loans would be disbursed very soon by the Ondo State Micro-credit Agency. Similarly, we granted scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance to students of Ondo State origin in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

“By the same token, we are forging ahead with the process of employing two thousand teachers in both public primary and secondary schools in the state.

“In the area of security, we shall continue to strengthen our home-grown Amotekun Corps and other security agencies for optimal delivery on protection of lives and property.

“The State Government had also approved N2 billion to support agriculture in the state with a view to encouraging farmers and ensuring food security. We will continue to pursue policies and programs that would make life easier and more meaningful to our people.”

On his part, Adefarati, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity,
stated that N100,000 was disbursed to each of the 500 constituents; sewing machines and hairdryers were distributed to artisans; 100,000 exercise books were distributed to pupils in public primary schools; as well as the distribution of 1000 50kg bags of fertiliser.

Adefarati, who commended Aiyedatiwa for the development recorded in the state, reeled out his contributions to the constituency, including empowerment programs, infrastructure improvements, and initiatives aimed at enhancing education, water supply, and economic support for residents of the two local government areas.

Adefarati emphasised that the efforts reflect the APC’s commitment to the welfare of the people and urged the Akoko community to support Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election.

The former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, praised Adefarati for his commitment to the welfare of his people. He encouraged the constituents to continue supporting the lawmaker, assuring them that they would keep benefiting from his dedicated service.

Similarly, the State Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, commended Adefarati for following in the footsteps of his late father and urged him to keep up his good work for the people of the constituency.

The Alale of Akungba, Oba Sunday Isaac Adeyeye, also hailed the lawmaker’s contributions to the development of the constituency, noting that his achievements since assuming office are truly commendable.