In fulfillment of his promises during electioneering, the lawmaker representing Egbeda state constituency, Hon. Babalola Olasunkanmi Samson has empowered not less than 107 constituents with sewing machines, motorcycles, freezers, grinding machines and gas burners and cylinders.
The young lawmaker also dolled out cash to about 67 traders across all the 11 wards in the constituency and the representatives from Monatan Market and Olodo/Lakunle Community.
The empowerment programme was held at Urban Day Grammar School, Old Ife Road, Ibadan on Monday.
While speaking, Hon. Babalola said that the gesture was in fulfillment of his electioneering promises to the people of his constituency as a lawmaker.
According to him, “what we are doing today is according to the responsibilities bestowed on me, which are to make laws, perform oversight functions and empower people in my constituency.
“Nigeria is going through a lot right now and as the representatives we have to rally round the citizens, like I am doing now, empowering my people. According to my campaign promises I promised my people to empower them and this is part of my empowerment process. I am giving back to my people who put me in this position, I’m not the type who will forget his people after attaining a position.
“A good leader is geared at making his or her people happy and I’m glad my people are happy today. I want to appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for granting the Oyo State House of Assembly the approval to empower our constituency members,” Hon. Babalola said.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received.
“We have heard of instances in the past where beneficiaries sold items received. I want them to please use these items in making money steadily and cater for their needs and that of their family,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda applauded Hon. Sunkanmi for his ingenuity and commitment towards the welfare of the people in the constituency, saying that the empowerment has become a continuous exercise.
The council boss begged the beneficiaries to put the items into good use rather than selling them.
The Director General, Oyo State Liaison Office, Lagos and Abuja, Hon. Busari Olayemi, charged the people in the constituency to continue their unparalleled support and cooperation for the government of the day in the state under Engr. Sayi Makinde.
He appealed that anytime the governor declares his intention to contest for another term in office, the people of the constituency should welcome him and give their full support for his reelection.
The Alajia of Ajia, Chief Sulaimon Akinsola, speaking on behalf of Egbeda Local Government Traditional Council, appreciated Hon. Sunkanmi for the giant stride achievements in the constituency.
The monarch also appealed to the beneficiaries to utilize the gesture in a positive way that will make their benefactor happy anytime he sees them.
The empowerment programme was attended by the Peoples Democratic Party big wigs in Egbeda Local Government including the party chairman, Pa Abel Aborisade, Pastor Akin Alamu, who is the Chairman, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Chief Amos Olawoyin, Chief Tewogbola Koye and Alhaji Kola Ibrahim.
Also in attendance was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, who was represented by Jubril Balogun.
