Ede South LG Chairman Empowers 1,000 Residents, Seeks Support For Governor Adeleke’s Re-election

The Executive Chairman of Ede South Local Government elected under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Lukman Afolabi, popularly known as Abere Soose, on Tuesday flagged off the Imole Empowerment Programme, providing grants and empowerment packages to 1,000 beneficiaries, including women, youths, artisans and other vulnerable residents in the council area.

Speaking at the event in Ede, Afolabi said the initiative was designed to support small and medium-scale businesses, reduce economic hardship and promote self-reliance among residents.

Afolabi attributed the programme to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to the welfare of residents, saying the administration remained focused on improving the lives of the masses.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of local government allocations to the elected council chairmen in Osun, saying the funds were needed to meet obligations to traditional rulers, primary school teachers, primary healthcare workers and pensioners.

“The local government allocation belongs to the people. We appeal to Mr President to ensure its release so that we can deliver more dividends of democracy to our people. Despite the challenges, we will continue to do everything possible to put smiles on the faces of the people,” he added.

The council chairman further urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants and equipment provided, stressing that the empowerment was aimed at enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.

He also appealed to residents to maintain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.

“Elections should be won through the ballot, not violence. I urge everyone to continue to embrace peace and come out on August 15 to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election so that the developmental projects and people-oriented programmes currently being enjoyed across the state can continue,” Afolabi said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Adebayo Ogungbangbe, said the empowerment programme was being implemented simultaneously across the 30 local government areas and the area office in the state to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.

“This empowerment programme is taking place across all the local government areas because Governor Ademola Adeleke understands the economic realities facing the people. The goal is to support artisans, traders, youths and other vulnerable residents so they can grow their businesses and become economically independent,” he said.

Ogungbangbe urged residents not to be intimidated by acts of violence, insisting that elections should be won through votes rather than intimidation.

“The governor has consistently preached peace because elections are decided by votes, not violence. We encourage every eligible voter to come out peacefully on August 15, exercise their civic responsibility and support Governor Ademola Adeleke for another term so that his people-centred programmes can continue,” the commissioner added.

One of the beneficiaries, Comrade Adeyemi Alapa, Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council for Persons with Disabilities in Osun State, described the empowerment as another demonstration of Adeleke’s concern for ordinary people.

“A lot of people living with disabilities have benefited from this administration. Governor Ademola Adeleke has shown that he truly cares for the poor and vulnerable. This support will improve our livelihoods, and we appreciate both the governor and the Executive Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Lukman Afolabi, for remembering us,” he said.

Alapa urged residents to support Adeleke’s re-election bid, saying the governor had delivered on his promises and deserved another term to consolidate on his achievements.

Another beneficiary, Olawusi Rebecca, a corn seller, said the financial support would help expand her business.

“I am grateful to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abere Soose for this opportunity. This assistance came at the right time because business has been difficult due to the economy. The governor has consistently shown love for poor people through programmes like this, and I encourage everyone to support him because he has been doing well for the people,” she said.