The economy of the informal sector Ikorodu Federal Constituency received a major boost today, as the Chairman , House of Reps Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson empowered about 3,000 residents and artisans with thousands of working tools, to enhance their productivity.
Hon. Benson also highlighted the APC’s commitment to empowering the people, citing President Tinubu’s bill to exempt minimum wage earners and small-scale industry owners from taxes. He also mentioned the consolidation of taxes into one, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hon. Benson promised that the community would see more development projects, including a flyover in Ikorodu. He also emphasized that the Renew Hope Agenda would start yielding fruits in 2025.
Earlier, Benson expressed deep gratitude to the people of Ikorodu Division for voting the APC into power. He acknowledged the significant role the Division played in electing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with maximum votes in 2023. He therefore noted that, in return, the President has been sending representatives to thank the community for their support.
Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in his brief remarks congratulated the people of Ikorodu Federal Constituency for having an effective representative like Hon. Babajimi Benson at the House of Reps, Senator Abiru in the East Senatorial District, and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Bisola Olusanya in the Lagos State cabinet.
Ojelabi acknowledged the crucial role these three personalities play in promoting and defending the APC philosophy. He also thanked the councilors, supervisors, and party leaders for their support.
The APC Chairman further commended Benson for projecting a good image of the party and appreciated the leadership for their efforts. He praised the people of Ikorodu for their unity and belief in the party’s leadership.
Concluding, Ojelabi encouraged beneficiaries of the empowerment program to make the best use of the equipment provided by reciprocating his gestures with economic prosperity.
A member of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe equally acknowledged the contributions of Rep Benson, Senator Abiru, and Council Chairmen to the development of Ikorodu Division.
He urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment program not to sell the items given to them, but instead, use them to benefit and enhance their trade and businesses, thus showcasing the impact of the APC’s government across the Division.
Similarly, a former Secretary to the State Government, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun commended Rep.Benson for his commitment towards eradicating poverty among his constituents.
While noting that the current economic situation is tough, Bashir stressed that Rep Benson’s people-centred initiatives were making a positive impact on the lives of the people.
‘For instance, providing a pepper grinder with a faulty machine or a barber with a generator can make a huge difference in their lives.
Even providing freezers to those selling soft drinks can bring joy’, Bashorun noted.
A member of the House of Reps, Hon. Jumoke Okoya who graced the event commended Benson for providing quality representation to his constituents.
She also highlighted the importance of Constituency empowerment, stating that it is not charity, but rather a means to equip people with the tools they need to improve their lives.
She encouraged beneficiaries to use the empowerment opportunities wisely, to better themselves and their communities.
Some of the excited beneficiaries shared their views about the empowerment support with Ikorodu Oga Radio.
Mr. Kayode Oluwo, a beneficiary from Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Jimi Benson for the Vulcanizer machine he received. He disclosed that the machine was his primary source of livelihood and would help support his source of income.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Sanni Sekinat, a hairstylist from Imota LCDA, expressed her joy and gratitude to Hon. Babajimi Benson for the hairdryer she received.
She acknowledged that the equipment was very useful in her shop, thanking Hon. Benson for his kindness.
Miss Oluwabukola, who also benefitted from the empowerment program thanked Hon. Babajimi Benson for the sewing machine she received.
She explained that she had completed a four-year course in fashion designing and bag-making, but her parents could not afford to buy her a sewing machine excitement, as while stating that the timing of receiving the machine coincided with her recent admission into the University and that the sewing machine would serve as a source of income, enabling her to be financially independent from her parents while in school.
Mrs. Folashade who received a 5kg gas cylinder acknowledged that the cylinder was worth about 30,000 Naira and was thrilled to receive it, especially with Christmas approaching.
Dignitaries that witnessed the empowerment program included, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Bisola Olusanya, and Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ashipa Kaoli
Olusanya, Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola and House of Reps Member, Hon. Jumoke Okoya.
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Ikorodu North LCDA Chairman, Builder
Adeola Banjo, Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Agoro and the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Builder Olusesan Daini also graced the event.
