By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
The Executive Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Lukman Afolabi, popularly known as Abere Soose, has launched the Imole Empowerment Programme, providing ₦50,000 grants and empowerment packages to 1,000 beneficiaries, including women, youths, artisans and other vulnerable residents of the council area.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ede on Tuesday, Afolabi said the initiative was aimed at supporting small and medium-scale businesses, easing the impact of economic hardship and promoting self-reliance among residents.
He attributed the programme to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people, noting that the administration remained focused on delivering people-oriented programmes across the state.
The council chairman also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of local government allocations to the elected council chairmen in Osun State, saying the funds were essential for the effective discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, the allocations are 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 our people,” Afolabi said.
He urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the grants and empowerment materials, stressing that the initiative was designed to help them become economically self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Afolabi also called on residents to maintain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
“Elections should be won through the ballot and not through violence. I urge everyone to continue to embrace peace and come out on August 15 to support the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke so that the developmental projects and people-oriented programmes currently being enjoyed across the state can continue,” he said.
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Adebayo Ogungbangbe, said the empowerment programme was being implemented simultaneously across the state’s 30 local government areas and the area office to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
He explained that the initiative was targeted at artisans, traders, youths and other vulnerable groups to enable them to strengthen their businesses and attain financial independence.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke understands the economic realities confronting the people. That is why this empowerment programme is taking place across all local government areas. The goal is to support residents so they can improve their livelihoods and become economically independent,” he said.
Ogungbangbe also urged residents not to be intimidated by acts of violence, insisting that elections should be decided through the ballot box.
“The governor has consistently preached peace because elections are won with votes, not violence. We encourage all eligible voters 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,” he added.
Some of the beneficiaries
One of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council for Persons with Disabilities in Osun State, Comrade Adeyemi Alapa, described the empowerment programme as another demonstration of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable residents.
He said many persons living with disabilities had benefited from the administration’s inclusive policies and programmes.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has shown genuine concern 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, Hon. Lukman Afolabi, for remembering us,” Alapa said.
He urged residents to support Adeleke’s re-election bid, arguing that the governor had fulfilled many of his campaign promises and deserved another term to consolidate on his achievements.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olawusi Rebecca, a corn trader, said the financial support would help her 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 economic situation. The governor has continued to demonstrate love and compassion for ordinary people through programmes like this, and I encourage everyone to support his re-election,” she said.