Hon Babajimi Benson, member representing Ikorodu federal Constituency at the House of Reps, Abuja disclosed that his I-Care Foundation has doubled the numbers of beneficiaries for the monthly free food distribution exercise, in commemoration of the year 2021 world food day.
Hon. Benson made the disclosure while addressing beneficiaries and guests who gathered for the October 2021 free food distribution event held in his Constituency Office in Ikorodu last Saturday.
The federal lawmaker stated that, the decision was taken to augment the hardships being experienced by vulnerable members of his constituency due to the recent hike in the prices of foodstuffs in the country. Rather than the usual 500 monthly beneficiaries, about 1,000 families benefitted from the October 16th distribution.
Benson, who is also the Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Defence noted that the decision was a direct response to the food price hike and a way to cushion its effects on the people.
‘Even in a time like this, we have to double the number of beneficiaries for the monthly food bags so as to assist more vulnerable people in the constituency’, he said.
‘Aside from this monthly food distribution, we have also facilitated many developmental projects for our people. We have built hospitals, roads, schools, mini-stadium in about twenty six locations across Ikorodu federal constituency. We have also helped people into the military and civil service as well’, he added.
He further stated that he has facilitated the building of an hospital in Imota which happens to be the biggest in the entire Lagos East Senatorial District, with eighty beds which will be ready within the next four to five months, Benson stressed.
An APC cheiftain, member of the Governor’s Advisary Council and a former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun in his remark stated that, the I-Care food bank initiative was an excellent program and the large of turnout of beneficiaries shows that it was very impactive.
Asiwaju Bashorun further urged the beneficiaries to ensure they regsiter and get their voter’s card, since voting for Hon. Benson was the only way they can reciprocate his good gesture.
Similarly, the Deputy Rector, Academics of Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr Olushola Olumide Metilelu also described the I-CARE Food Bank’s fifth years anniversary as historic. He added that the initiative will complement government’s efforts in promoting people’s welfare and will relieve the vulnerables from social pressure.
He concluded by encouraging other politicial office holders to emulate Hon Benson, by showing love to their constituents.
The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA, Bldr. Sesan Daini praised Hon. Jimi Benson for treading on a path that is worthy of emulation and pledged to embark on similar humanitarian programmes having been learning from the Ikorodu born lawmaker.
Mr Rotimi Ayoku, CDC Chairman Ijede LCDA, described the I-Care food bank initiative as a social contract between Hon. Benson and his constituents, commending the legislator for going out of his primary duties of law- making to impacting the less privileged in the society.
Some of the beneficiaries of the I-CARE Food Bank were full of appreciation to Hon. Jimi Benson for reducing hunger in the land, through the food bank initiative.
The I-Care food bank was launched in 2016 and has fed thousands of families on a monthly basis, since inception. 500 families benefit from the food bank on a monthly basis.
