….Urges citizens to key into govt’s anti-poverty policies

The Ekiti State Government, has commended a former member of the National Assembly, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, for building and donating modern residential buildings to widows, homeless and physically challenged in her constituency.

The government asserted that the donation of three detached bungalows, comprising nine room and parlour self-contained apartments to the less privileged by the ex-Lawmaker, confirmed Ogunlola’s generosity and support for the government of Biodun Oyebanji.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the commendation, on Friday, in Ijero Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government, at the official launching and handing over of the facilities to the beneficiaries.

Ogunlola, a former member of the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, represented Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, comprising Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Governments.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Mrs Afuye stated that since inception, Governor Oyebanji, had indicated interest to partner private organisations and good- spirited individuals to mitigate the sufferings of the hapless citizens.

Describing the gesture as a masterstroke in the private initiative to rid Ekiti of poverty, she lauded the female politician for keying into the anti-poverty policies of the current administration.

Of particular reference, the deputy governor, said the gesture will bolster well coordinated efforts by the office of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji to banish poverty out of Ekiti through diligently prosecuted Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH) initiative.

She appealed to the citizens to guard against frittering any empowerment opportunity being provided for them by government , political office holders and private individuals .

Mrs Afuye said: “These apartments meant to be given out free to the less privileged in the society, marks another milestone in the efforts being made by government in collaboration with the private individuals and organisations to make lives better for our citizens.

“Since 2019, Hon. Ogunlola, being a good and worthy representative of the people, had empowered over 300 women who are petty traders with N20,000 each. She had also trained and equippped 50 youths in ICT capacity building.

“Her other numerous empowerment programmes include: Distribution of cars ( over 30), Tricycles, motorcycles ( over 200), sewing machines and many others.

“Let me on behalf of the state government appreciate Hon. Ogunlola for her generosity. This she had been demonstrating since her foray into politics and we are not in any way surprised by her good deeds and benevolent actions.

“I appeal to the beneficiaries to reciprocate this good gesture by making good use of these facilities. May God help you”.

The donor, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, in her response, praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritising the people’s welfare far and above personal aggrandizement, describing the governor as a true lover and admirer of the poor masses.

Exposing the rationale behind the gesture, Ogunlola, said it has always been her desire to help the needy overcome economic, educational, health and social problems since she veered into politics.

Ogunlola promised continued coalition of efforts and actions with the government to fight poverty, pledging to replicate the same project in Ekiti West and Efon Local Governments.

“We have been having governors in Ekiti, but Oyebanji is different. He is close to the people and that is the greatest hallmark of leadership.

“These buildings will be given to nine persons. And whoever gets it will use it for life. The only agreement is that the occupants must maintain the structures and there will be agreement towards that .

“Again, such person is at liberty to leave anytime and it will be allotted to another person”.