No fewer than 400 men, women, youths and students in Ayedire State Constituency of Osun State benefited from a mega empowerment programme featuring the distribution of 100m naira worth of equipment and cash grants.
The programme, held on Thursday in Ileogbo, Ayedire local government headquarters, was facilitated by the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Elisha Akinyemi Oderinwale as part of efforts to boost livelihoods and support small-scale enterprises and grassroots development.
Some of the items distributed are motorcycles, refrigerators, sewing machines, industrial machines, standing fans, grinding machines, vulcanizer machine, gas cylinder, farm sprayers, generator, Vlvacuum vleaner , washing machines, phones, tablets and cash grants.
Speaking at the event, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewunmi described the initiative as a reflection of people-oriented leadership, noting that it aligns with the governing philosophy of prioritising citizens’ welfare.
Oyewumi said the empowerment is unprecedented in the history of the constituency.
He said, “This is a further confirmation that the deeds of a man speak for him. Even at higher levels, some past office holders did not achieve this within their tenure. This shows commitment to the people-first agenda.”
Oyewunmi, who recently assumed office as Director-General of the campaign organisation for Ademola Adeleke, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for lawmakers to deliver on their mandates.
“The governor plays a crucial role. Without funding, no lawmaker can execute projects. We must commend him for making resources available to support initiatives like this,” he added.
The senator also called for peaceful political engagement ahead of upcoming elections, urging stakeholders to focus on performance rather than propaganda.
“No amount of abuse can win votes. If your product is good, it will sell. Politics should be peaceful because Osun needs stability to progress,” he said.
Also addressing the party faithful and beneficiaries, Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun state, Sunday Bisi commended the lawmaker for the empowerment.
Bisi urged the beneficiaries to support the reelection of Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.
In his remarks, Oderinwale said the empowerment programme was in fulfillmentt of his campaign promise to give back to constituents within his first four years in office.
“When I was contesting, I promised that within two to three years, I would organise a programme like this. This is about giving back to the people who trusted me with their mandate.”
He disclosed that over 400 beneficiaries received tools and equipment, while more than 100 others were given cash grants to support their businesses.
“The beneficiaries were carefully selected. These are people we know truly need the support and will use it judiciously,” Akinyemi stated.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in the political future of the state, maintaining that the incumbent governor remains the most popular among the electorate.
“As it stands today, our governor remains the most accepted candidate across the state, and I am confident he will emerge victorious in the next election,” he said.
Leaders of Accord Party unanimously endorsed Oderinwale for another term, declaring that “no vacancy in Ayedire”.
Beneficiaries and community stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the constituency.
A community member, Tiamiyu Hussein Adedeji, said, “This is massive. We have not seen this kind of empowerment before in Ayedire. It shows the lawmaker is committed to the welfare of the people.”
Another beneficiary, Adeyemo Mudasiru Adeniyi, expressed appreciation, noting that the programme cut across communities in the local government.
“I feel lucky to be part of this. He has been supportive, not just in Ileogbo but across the four major communities,” he said.
The event also highlighted previous interventions by the lawmaker, including the payment of examination fees for hundreds of students, further strengthening support among constituents.
Photos of event…
Present at the event are Olu of Ileogbo, Oba Abeeb Agbaje, House of Representatives member representing Iwo Federal Constituency, Lukman Madashiru, members of the House of Assembly led by the Deputy Majority Leader, Adekunle Oladimeji, among others.