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Tag: constituents

  • Lawmaker empowers constituents

    Lawmaker empowers constituents

    In fulfilment of his campaign promises, member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Baderinwa has given empowerment facilities to members of his constituency. DAMISI OJO reports.

    During his campaigns, Bamidele Baderinwa  representing Idanre/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives promised to make life better for members of his constituency. The people were sceptical. Their disbelief emanated  from their experience with  other politicians in the past.

    But Bamidele’s power of persuasion was so strong that he convinced residents of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency to vote for him.

    With his performance in the House of Representatives and his empowerment programmes for his people, the people are thanking their stars for voting him into office. Bamidele has been fulfilling his campaign promises.

    One of the first things he did to prove to his people that he could be trusted was the donation of a Mercedes Benz Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the traditional ruler of Ero community and two Camry cars to leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifedore Local Government Area.

    Barely three months after the donation, Bamidele has, again, reached out to members of his constituency through the provision of empowerment facilities. This time around, he allowed his philosophy to come play. He has constantly maintained that it is better to teach people how to fish instead of giving them fish.

    Bamidele said: “Empowerment of the masses outweighs transitory material gifts to them which serve mainly as gratification.”

    The event coincided with his 100 days in office which held at Igbara Oke, the headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area.

    The lawmaker presented two Hilux  vans to the Divisional Police headquarters in his constituency, provided cocoa treatment chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and spraying pumps for 200 farmers and 30 units of wheel chairs for the physically-challenged persons.

    He said: “It is my covenant to competently represent my people at the National Assembly and do resoundingly well for my constituents through the intervention/constituency projects’ platform provided for us by the National Assembly as representatives of the people who know the spots where shoes pinch the masses.

    “I will use every medium available to me to bring benefits of democracy to the door steps of my people. In the next couple of years, issues of youth unemployment, empowerment and quality education of our pupils will be given priority attention in the scheme of things in order to secure their future.”

    While recounting his achievements while representing his people, he listed the extension of rural electrification project to Aba-Aro community in Isarun/Erigi Ward of Ifedore Local Government Area, provision of mechanised borehole for the CAC Grammar School, Odode-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area and grading and maintenance of roads leading to Ero community, among other programmes.

    The empowerment items were inaugurated and presented to beneficiaries by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by another member of the House Representatives, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim.

    Other APC lawmakers present when Baderinwa assured his people of his commitment to deliver more dividends of democracy to them were Kolawole Babatunde and Akintayo Gafaru representing Akoko Southwest/East and Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituencies in Ondo and Osun states respectively.

    The lawmakers expressed their delight at the people-oriented initiatives of their colleague, describing them as awesome projects for the people of the two local government areas.

    The two Hilux Pick-up vans presented to the state police command were for the two police divisions in the constituency. He promised to provide two additional vans to the command.

    On why he presented the vans, the lawmaker said they were meant to enhance the performance of the police in securing the lives and properties in the constituency better.

    He said: “While canvassing for the people’s votes across the nook and cranny of our constituency, I did promise to work tirelessly and selflessly to better the socio-economic lots of our people through competent and quality representation if elected into office.

    “This is my covenant with the people of the constituency. Today’s event marks the beginning of the official fulfilment of this covenant which spans a period of four years.

    “I believe the patrol vehicles will enhance the performance of policemen in the constituency. We need to assist law enforcement agents to secure lives and properties of our people better.

    “It is also my belief that a thorough application of the empowerment items by our farmers will, no doubt, increase farm produce in the next couple of years.

    “In our estimation, if the chemicals are well distributed, over 200 farmers within the two local government areas will benefit from it. It is important to state that I funded all enumerated projects and empowerment items.”

    Baderinwa had earlier inaugurated a motorised borehole he provided for CAC Grammar School, Odode-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area and inaugurated his Constituency Office in Idanre town.

  • Rep meets constituents, promises democracy dividends

    Residents of Mushin 2 federal constituency in Lagos State have tasked the lawmaker representing the district in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla, to fulfill his electoral promises.

    At a constituents/stakeholders meeting organised by the lawmaker over the weekend, some of the demands made by hundreds of those present include provision of employment for youth, construction of roads, financial assistance to traders and the physically challenged within the constituency amongst others.

    The meeting was attended by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, opinion and community leaders, who included Alhaji Taoreed Farounbi (alias Baba Alado).

    In his address, Ayinla, who expressed his appreciation for the mandate given to him by the people, added that the event was organised to feel the pulse of the people and set an agenda on his mission in the National Assembly.

    While assuring of quality representation in the House, Ayinla enjoined the people to always offer constructive advice on how to move the constituency forward.

     

  • Kasunmu hosts constituents

    Kasunmu hosts constituents

    The lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly,  Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, recently played hosts to notable stakeholders in his constituency. The meeting which took place at the Ikeja Local Government secretariat afforded the lawmaker, who is also Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Social Development, to give accounts of his stewardship in the last few months. The constituents used the opportunity to present their demands to government.

  • Rep assures constituents on development

    Rep assures constituents on development

    The member representing Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ayodeji Joseph, has assured his constituents that their challenges will be addressed at the National Assembly.

    He spoke at an interactive dinner organised by the maritime operators at Rockview Hotel at Park Lane in Apapa, Lagos.

    Ayodeji, who identified poor roads as the major challenge the people were facing, assured them that before the end of the year, some roads would be expanded.

    Convener Chief Gabby Dimudde-Kabayan, who said the Federal Government gets 74 per cent of its revenue from the maritime sector, called for an urgent repair of roads in Apapa since most of the maritime activities happen there.

    Spokesman of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Jones Igbokwe said Lagos would collaborate with the Federal Government to put the roads in proper shape.

  • Lawmaker fetes constituents

    The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ms Omosede Igbinedion has promised members of her constituents that she would give them robust representation and make life better for them.

    Omosede gave the assurance at a dinner party she held to thank the Ovia  people for making history in voting her as the first female federal lawmaker in the state.

    The party was well-attended by residents in Ovia as transportation was provided to convey them from their various villages to the Benin ‘Garden of Eden’ residence of Omosede father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

    In her remark, Omosede denied insinuations that she planned to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party and promised to remain loyal to the PDP as well as worked towards ensuring victory for the party in next year’s governorship elections.

    She promised to fulfill her campaign promises, which according to her, included youth employment and women empowerment.

    According to her, “I will forever remain loyal to you, I will not defect and I will remain loyal to the PDP.”

    “PDP is taking over Edo we go into governorship election next year. Edo is tired of APC. They need a change. It will be PDP all the way.

    “Every promise I made will be sustained. It is about supporting your dreams, aspiration, desires and I will live up to every expectation. I will do more than I promise to do.

    “I am here to say a big thank you. I know a lot has transpired in Abuja and having been watching the strides I am making on your behalf. I will be a chairman of one of the committees soon to be inaugurated. Every promise I made will be sustained. It is about supporting your dreams, aspiration, desires and I will live up to every expectation. I will do more than I promise to do.

    “I never make promises I can never keep. I don’t want to make up things. Our youths will be gainfully employed. Women will be empowered.

    “What you want is development. You want to see your community enhanced. There is a line of communication that will be open.  I am a representative of every single person in Ovia. From good road to provision of portable water, I will make the dreams become a reality.”

  • A lawmaker’s jobs scheme for constituents

    A lawmaker’s jobs scheme for constituents

    Someone has disproved the notion that lawmakers cannot make much impact on their constituents because they do not have executive powers.

    The lawmakers representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Ebenyi, has ameliorated the economic crunch in his constituency through a jobs scheme.

    Ebenyi, returned for a second term in the March 28, 2015 general election, was groomed as a lawmaker at the Enugu State House of Assembly where he was leader of the House before his posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and the Vatican in 2004.

    He was subsequently elected member House of Representatives in 2011 where he further proved his desirability for re-election in 2015.

    •Some of the grinding machines donated
    •Some of the grinding machines donated

    Ambassador Ebenyi distributed 270 poverty alleviation items among his constituents that included over 50 pieces of Keke NAPEP, substantial quantities of wheelchairs, refrigerators, grinding machines, hair dryers, industrial fans, and power generating sets.

    That was not the first time the lawmaker distributed such economy driving implements. He also built communication cafes for rural dwellers in his constituency in addition to other essential provisions.

    Handing over the items to the lucky beneficiaries that emerged in the 23 ward of the constituency through balloting, Ebenyi appreciated the confidence reposed on him by his constituents, especially for giving him a second chance in the national assembly, promising that with his becoming a ranking member at the assembly, he would be able to afford more assistance to his people.

    He noted that it is his wish that the beneficiaries of the items will use it for the benefit of themselves, their families and for humanity.

    “What inspired me to embark on the project offer is the tremendous support I’ve been receiving from my people since 2011. The people have given me much and to whom much is given, much is expected,” he stated.

    Ambassador Ebenyi also noted that he is worried about the rate of poverty among the people and is praying for its reduction, adding that it was for the sake of reducing poverty among the people that made him embark on such projects.

    On the issue of roads infrastructure in his constituency, he said: “We have roads but it is not all the roads that are tarred and we are pleading with the federal government to complete the ones under construction such as the Obollo Afor-Ikem-Ehamufu-Nkalagu road. If they can do it, it will help alleviate the plight of the people in this locality.”

    Ebenyi urged his people to expect consolidation on the little gains he has made at the national assembly with their renewed mandate. “We have on-going projects and we expect to complete them before the expiration of this tenure and they should also expect more poverty alleviation projects,” he pledged.

    One of the beneficiaries of the distributed items, John Collins Okoh from Nike who is physically challenged said it was a great thing Ebenyi did by providing him with a wheel chair. “If this is what leadership is all about, remembering the down trodden like us, then there won’t be problem again,” said Okoh.

    Keke NAPEP winner, Ekene Eriugo expressed happiness and prayed that he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains in power. “I am praying that His Excellency Ambassador Kingsley Ebenyi will become the President of Nigeria. I will try my best to make judicious use of the Keke and keep my promise to God,” said Eriugo.

  • Lawmaker’s jobs tools for constituents

    Lawmaker’s jobs tools for constituents

    There  is relief in Plateau North senatorial zone after its representative at the Senate, Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok provided working tools for the residents.

    The senator purchased and distributed items worth N150 million to the people as aprt of his constitueny economic empowerment programme.

    The launching of the programme and distribution of the items were done to mark the second year anniversary of the senator in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Senator Pwajok was elected in a by-election in 2012 to replace the late Senator Gyang Dantong who was killed by unknown gunmen at the peak of violence in the zone.

    The senator believes that he owes his people a lot for giving him the mandate to represent them in the senate.

    “It will get to a point you need to express appreciation to, not only God but also to people who gave you the mandate, those who gave you support when you needed them,” he said. “I could not have been a senator today without the consent of God and people of my constituency. I have to consider the fact that, just as I went to my people to ask for their favour to become a senator, these people also has some needs that requires my intervention. They had stood behind me to make me solve my need at that time, it is now my turn to help them solve their own need as well.

    “To that extent, it is a way of giving back to the people. The slogan of our great party the People’s Democratic Party is power to the people. So what I am doing is giving back the power to the people. My belief is that the people need a certain measure of economic empowerment for their individual or personal development.

    “Again, God has blessed me through these people, and I need to also share part of this blessing with the people. So this empowerment programme was designed to say ‘Thank You, my people’

    “Basically, as a lawmaker, we are not executive; our basic role is different from that of the executive. We make laws, appropriate government expenditure and carry out oversight functions. So our performance as law makers is supposed to be measured based on quality contribution to law making as well as protecting and defending the yearnings and aspirations of your constituency. But the kind of democracy we practice in this country is such that our people tend to measure the performance of lawmakers like the executive arm of government.

    “So, as lawmakers, we try to find a way of bridging the gap, considering the fact that our constituencies are lacking various needs of life like house, food and clothing. Then I thought that if you give them economic empowerment, they will feed themselves, cloth themselves and provide shelter for themselves with proceeds of economic activities you introduced them to through these facilities.

    “Apart from that, I see it as a way of bringing federal presence to the common people since we are part of the federal government. We just need to impact on the lives of the people that elected us in a positive way. I have lasted two years in the senate, and I thought the best way to mark this eventful two year is to provide one or two things to them.

    The items presented to people of the senatorial zone includes tricycles, sewing machines, wheelchairs, vehicles, water pump engines, computer sets, hair-dryers, electricity power generators, etc.

    This is not the first time of this gesture from Senator Pwajok, right from day one of his admission into the senate, he has developed a plan to touch the lives of his constituents in a positive way. He embarked on capital intensive projects like provision of power transformer to several rural communities, community hall, construction of primary schools, construction of primary health clinics and rural water projects.

    Some of the benefiting communities from the capital projects sponsored by the senator are Vom, Gurra Top, Bisichi, Loh, Mr Ali, Dorowa, Ganawuri, Maza, Forbur, Rahol Kanang, Vwang, Rantiya etc.

    The senator said, “I was inspired into this economic empowerment scheme because, I inherited two things from the predecessor, security challenges and challenges of poverty. And from day one, I made up my mind to tackle the two challenges together.

    “But the happy thing in spite of the security challenges is that our efforts has paid off because we have been able to address the sources of conflict, re-unite the people and restore the needed peace. And at the same time I have been able to provide certain basic social amenities for the people of my constituency.

    “So, with some efforts here and there, the spate of bloodshed has reduced significantly, people can graze their livestock and farmers can cultivate their land without any fear of attack. The next efforts are to continued to cement the prevailing cordial relationship existing among the people, so as to sustain the current peace and make it a permanent one” said Senator Pwajok.

    According Mr Chuwang Davou, Chief Press Secretary to Senator Pwajok, “The senator believes that though his constituency is located within the state capital and cover areas of the Greater Jos Master Plan, the satelite communities lack some basic social infrastructures. He also believes that it is obvious government cannot cater for all needs of its citizens considering the lean reassures at its disposal, “hence I began to look at areas where I can intervene with my own little resources. That was when I discovered my people’s needs are vast. You will be scared to know the level of poverty around you.

    Chuwang said, “Other innovations that have made positive impact on the people of the constituency was the construction of Ultra-modern town halls installed with high capacity generators in all the six local government within his constituency for social and recreation activities, some of the halls which have the capacity of accomodating over 3000 people can even serve as examination centres and seminar venue for youths of the communities.

    “Jos Township Primary school has benefited with the construction of 3-classroom blocks and VIP toilets. That project has been completed and already been put to use by students. Then a Computer center was constructed for youths of Vwang district of  Jos south LGA.

    Communities like Fobor in Jos East LGA, Mazah in Jos North Local Government Area, Rantiya in. Jos North, Rahol Kanang of Jos South, Dorowa Vilkage of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and Gyel, Agingi, Mr Ali of Bassa Local Government Area as well as Ganawuri, Ali Kazaure are some of the communities that benefited from the Installation of 300KVA transformer or 500KVA transformers as part of his rural electricity program.

    Communities that benefited from Primary Health Care projects includes Bisichi and Fan. The communities were provided with medical facilities at their various health centers. As for communities like Vom, Makoli, Riyom, Ugwuan Galadima, Nuku, Prison service, St. Morumba, Ondus, Bakin Kogi, Rabin Biu, Bimbop etc all benefited from hand pump borehole for their peculiar water need.

    Members of the Plateau North zone were full of praises and appreciation to Senator Pwajok. One of them who got a free block moulding engine to establish a block producing factory during the launching of economic empowerment scheme, Mr Markus Azi said,

    Mrs Ladi Markus from Mazah Vilkage said, To me, I ve got a life lime today, this machine, I have been looking for a loan to buy it, but the senator has provided it for me free of charge. I am going to start my business right away”

    Miss Lydia Choji, a physically challenged member of the zone who got a wheel Chair has this to say; “I have been praying for this, as you can see, I don’t have legs to move, I can only move about on wheel chair, the only one I got from government five years ago has parked up, I kept spending money to repare it. God knows I need a new chair and God has provided for me through our Senator”

    Some young girls who got Hair Dryers to commence a hair saloon business said, “The senator gave us these equipment and the most important thing, he gave us a generator to provide us electric light to run our saloon, he has done everything for us.

    The event was witnessed by local government executive of the People’s Democratic Party, state executive of the party and deputy governor of Plateau State as well as his teaming supporters and beneficiaries.

    The constituency economic empowerment programme of Senator Pwajok was witnessed by the Senate President, Senator David Mark who presented some of the items to the beneficiaries.

    The senate president called on people of the zone to continued to support the senator in all his political endeavors. Senator Mark said, “This is one of the youngest senator in the senate and he has spent just two years. But the contribution he has made in the senate within the spate of two years is outstanding and remarkable. He made me to belief that it is not how long you stay in the senate that counts but the impact you made within a short period.

    “I will advise people of Plateau North to continue to support him because that is the kind of senator the country needs to grow our democracy,” said Senator Mark.

    Senator GNS Pwajok has been  endorsed by Governor Jonah Jang and other stakeholders in Plateau state to succeed Gov Jang in 2015 as governor of the state.

     

  • Senator provides infrastructure for constituents

    As the 2015 general elections draw closer, a major factor which would ensure the return of most politicians in elective positions is how much of development they had brought to their respective communities.

    The people of Ebonyi South Senatorial District have every cause to be grateful to God and Senator Sonni Ogbuoji for his quality representation of his people at the National Assembly.

    Investigation revealed that the Senator’s provision of democratic dividends for his people had exceeded their expectations.

    He embarked on construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the zone and provided other infrastructural facilities such as the 35-room guest house, established plastic industry at Ebunwana and built the Assemblies of God Church Jerusalem Assembly, among others.

    Among the roads which the Senator facilitated their construction is the Ebunwana Erei federal road linking Ebonyi and Cross River states, Ohafia-Nguzu Oso Edda federal road linking Ebonyi and Abia states and other roads within the zone which include Okpoghoro Road Ebunwana, Igbara Ebunwana Road and Ndi Agwu Road Igbara.

    The Ohafia-Nguzu-Oso Edda federal road is significant because until recently, it was a 20km stretch of dilapidated asphalt road at the Abia State axis and a jagged earth road at the Edda axis, which had never witnessed any form of construction activity.

    From the First Republic when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara (all late) visited Edda and promised that government would consider its construction, the road had remained an object of political campaigns, one of the examples of failed promises and a proof of government’s insensitivity to people at the grassroots.

    Successive administrations had awarded contract for the construction of the road for several times after which it would be abandoned.

    This was the situation till 2012 when Senator Ogbuoji brought the gully-ridden road to the attention of the Federal Government. Convinced that the road is vital for effective inter and intra-state commercial activities, Senator Ogbuoji was committed to the construction of the road so much so that budgetary provision was made for it.

    The contract, which was in category B, lot 11 of the Federal Government official Gazette was awarded to Uniglobe Construction Company Limited at the sum of 2,293,965,030, with 18 months completion period.

    The member representing Afikpo South West State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima said the Senator had effectively utilised his presence at the Senate to bring benefits of democracy to the people of the zone, adding that the roads he (Senator) constructed had made it possible for the people to interrelate with their neighbouring communities in both Abia and Cross River states.

    Communities such as Nguzu Edda, Ekoli Edda, Ebunwana Edda, Itim Edda, Ogbu Edda, Owutu Edda, Amangwu Edda and Oso Edda, among others had expressed their gratitude to Senator Ogbuoji for his commitment to infrastructural development and empowerment schemes.

    “We are happy with our Senator; we wish other Senators could emulate his leadership style. Going to the Senate is not for you to enrich yourself and forget about the people that gave you their mandate. He did not discriminate among all the local government areas that make up the zone. We are happy with him and satisfied with his representation at the National Assembly,” they said.

  • Lawmaker’s free medicare for constituents

    Lawmaker’s free medicare for constituents

    The member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ndukwe Ojukwu has assured his constituents that their health will remain his priority.

    Hon. Ojukwu spoke at Apuanu Item during a four-day free medical treatment organised by Owani Professional Foundation (OPF), in collaboration with Ojukwu Foundation and the Methodist Church. He said health is the foundation of a every

    Ojukwu regretted the high mortality rate of infants and expectant mothers experienced in the rural areas in the past which he attributed to ignorance on the part of parents, even as he urged a change towards reducing the mortality rate.

    He praised the efforts of the team of doctors numbering 20 for their dedication to duty during the four-day free medical treatment and their excellent service which has helped in improving the health of members of his constituents.

    The lawmaker said healthy people make a wealthy nation, adding that there would be no meaningful development in a society when the health of the people is in serious jeopardy.

    Ojukwu further said the free medical treatment exercise was a yearly programme which aims at complementing the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji, whom he said has done much in the health sector.

    The lawmaker recalled that Ndukwe Ojukwu Foundation has, since 2011, settled hospital bills of all mothers who were delivered of their babies in any government hospital and maternity homes in the area.

    He noted that the emphasis on government hospitals and maternity homes aimed at discouraging expectant mothers from patronising quarks which may result in serious complications and possible deaths which his foundation aims to reduce.

    Hon. Ojukwu praised the efforts of the OPF and their boss Prof. Mba Okoronkwo who is the Dean of School of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for his resilience in piloting the affairs of the body and bringing doctors to Item.

    He said their efforts have helped in reducing the high rate of infant and maternal mortality in his constituency, adding that members of his constituency will never forget them in a hurry.

    Speaking with our correspondent on their experiences, Mrs. Ijeoma Anyaele, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu and Madam Ejije Igwe who benefitted from the free medical exercise expressed their happiness over the lawmaker’s gesture, even as they prayed God to reward the organisers for their wonderful concern for the needy.

  • Lawmaker donates to constituents

    The member representing Isin/Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke Ero Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akeem Aiydedun has donated the sum of N4 million to the four local government areas that make up the constituency to enable them to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) structures in Kwara State.

    The lawmaker made the donation during a sensitisation tour of his constituency during which he fraternised with the newly inaugurated party executive in each of the four local government areas.

    He also distributed some items worth N2 million to some members of his constituency. The items distributed included clothes and motorcycles, among others.

    Party members as well as youth groups and associations received Hon. Aiydedun. Some of the groups were ABS youth group, NATA, Motorcyclists’ association, youth leaders, artisans, PMAN Ekiti, women leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    They expressed their happiness over Hon. Aiyedun’s gesture towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire youth of his constituency.

    In a statement, his media aide, Shesan Phillip had said Aiydedun had earlier donated scores of vehicles, motorcycles, dryers and power generating sets, among others to the groups. This, he said, was a way of empowering his people.

    Receiving Hon. Aiydedun during the tour, members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the constituency pledged their support and loyalty to him and the APC. They also appreciated the state government’s efforts towards improving the well-being of the people, even as they praised Senator Bukola Saraki for his leadership of the party.