By Oluwaseun Nubi
Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, has commended Rep. Babajimi Benson for facilitating empowerment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting socio-economic development in Ikorodu.
Hamzat gave the commendation at the Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme facilitated by Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in Abuja.
The event was held at the Ikorodu Musical Village, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikorodu, on Tuesday.
“I commend Rep. Babajimi Benson for this laudable intervention, which demonstrates his commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents and supporting economic development at the grassroots,” Hamzat said.
He urged residents to turn out in large numbers to vote in the forthcoming elections, saying sustained support would enable them to enjoy more empowerment programmes and other dividends of democracy.
“I urge the people of Ikorodu to come out en masse and vote. By supporting leaders who are committed to development, you can continue to benefit from more empowerment initiatives and other dividends of democracy,” he said.
Hamzat also urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and financial assistance received to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
“To all the beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of what you have received. Use these items and grants to grow your businesses, improve your families’ welfare and contribute to the development of your communities,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed at the programme included 10 transformers, five security patrol vehicles, seven buses, five cars, 20 minibuses, 20 motorcycles and 21 electric bikes.
Other items were 140 solar power units, 150 freezers, 20 generators, 20 vulcanising machines, 20 grinding machines, 100 sewing machines and 20 industrial sewing machines.
The beneficiaries also received 250 3kg gas cylinders, 450 6kg gas cylinders and 100 12kg gas cylinders, alongside cash grants totalling N200 million.
Speaking on the constituency’s development, Benson said he and his colleague had executed several projects to improve residents’ welfare through infrastructure and other development opportunities.
“I and my colleague have been able to achieve so many projects in Ikorodu. We can see how you voted for the President in 2023.
“Ikorodu residents have been very supportive, and this support has contributed to the lives of our people through development opportunities and better quality of life for our people,” he said.
Benson said several roads had been constructed across the constituency, citing the 14-kilometre Offin-Oreta Road as one of the projects.
According to him, the road connects more than 50 Community Development Associations (CDAs) and leads to a jetty, benefiting traders, fishermen and farmers.
He also commended the local council development areas for their contributions to infrastructure development, particularly the construction of schools and hospitals.
Benson urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the items received and encouraged residents to exercise their civic rights during forthcoming elections.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Gbadebo Adenipekun, Chairman of Peace and Unity Estate, Momokekere, Ikorodu, expressed delight over the provision of a transformer serving two CDAs.
Adenipekun said the community had experienced a blackout for about one year, a situation that disrupted businesses and forced some residents to relocate.
He expressed optimism that the transformer would restore electricity supply, revive businesses and encourage residents who had left the area to return.
Similarly, Mrs Modinat Soda,who received a N250,000 cash grant, said the financial support would help expand her business.
Soda thanked Benson for the intervention and urged other political leaders to emulate him by supporting small businesses and empowering residents.
Earlier, Mr Aro Moshood,6y lawmaker, representing Ikorodu Constituency II, said residents could see the dividends of democracy through projects delivered in the area.“With all these, we expect good representation,” the representative said.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Community, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the projects, saying they demonstrated commitment and consistency.
“We can see the hard work of our own, and we are all happy about it.
“We had interface projects for all those that are going to represent us to ensure they win because this particular party has been consistent. We also assure them of our continued support,” he said.
Also, Mr Segun Ogunlewe, former minister, expressed satisfaction with the youth representing Ikorodu and urged beneficiaries to ensure that items received through public interventions were properly utilised.
Ogunlewe said Ikorodu would deliver 250,000 votes in the governorship election, emphasising the importance of political support in the area.
He urged residents to remain engaged in the democratic process and exercise their voting rights.(NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
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