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  • Oyo Senator empowers constituents with N200m

    Oyo Senator empowers constituents with N200m

    The agrarian communities in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State stood still for three days as the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Hosea Agboola stormed the 12 local government areas he represents to empower his people and commission no fewer than 60 projects.

    Agboola who kicked off his trip with the commissioning of projects on the 13thý of August ended it with the empowerment of over 10,000 people on the 15th of August, in his home town, Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government.

    The local governments he represents in the upper chambers of the National Assembly includes; Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Orire, Olorunsogo, Orelope, Saki East, Saki West, Atisbo, Iseyin, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Itesiwajuý.

    At the empowerment program, several items includeing150 grinding machines, 150 motorcycles, 500 sprayers, 150 sewing machines, 150 deep freezers, 100 clippers, 150 hair dryers, 150 air conditioners, 150 clippers, mechanical tools, vehicles, among others were presented to the people.

    Also, bursary award worth N15 million was distributed to 1,334 students from Oyo North senatorial district.

    Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Agboola, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator from the south west, said poverty alleviation programmes must be a constant event in the grassroots, as they served as a way of reaching out to the people who are mostly in need of empowerment.

    He told the gathering that he has spent about N200 million on empowerment scheme and bursary award for students in his constituency.

    The lawmaker said most of the beneficiaries were selected by the hierarchy of the PDP in the senatorial district, adding that the rest were from various groups and other political stakeholders in the area.

    Some of the political heavyweights present at the event include a one-time Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, PDP leader in Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former minister for Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, former deputy governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, Oyo PDP Chairman, Mr Yinka Taiwo, Mr Femi Babalola among others.

    Speaking at the event, the Oyo State PDP chairman, Mr Yinka Taiwo appealed to all elected or appointed office holders to let the people at the grassroots feel their impact, adding that politicians who distance themselves from the people cannot win election.

    Taiwo noted that the political structure of the state will be in the hands of PDP in 2015, saying that the people of the state are now politically awake and it would be difficult for any party to defeat the PDP.

    The party chairman called on political office holders in the state to redouble their empowerment and mass mobilization drives to ensure the victory of the party in the next year’s general electioýn.

    Lauding the initiative, Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zacheus Oladimeji said:”Senator Agboola is a gift to this generation and to the people of Igbojaye community as the legislator representing our constituency,  he has performed creditably well within the period he has spent in the Senate and we are proud of him”

    Also, the leader of PDP in Oyo State, Seriki Adeojo also described Sen Agboola as:”  a humble man who is full of accomplishments. He contributes very well in the National Assembly. He consults constantly with his constituency and makes contributions that reflect the opinion and aspirations of his constituency. I think we are lucky and happy to have him as one of our strong party members.

    “He executed many projects in the 12 local councils he represents, and projects like drilling of boreholes, solar lights, supply of transformers and building of classrooms with toilets, ICT centres have been done. He makes promises and fulfils them. This man has been supportive of the youth. He is taking care of the needy and we the traditional rulers are also well taken care of from his personal resources,”

    Earlier before the empowerment program kicked off, no fewer than 60 projects financed by the lawmaker were commissioned. These include a block of three classrooms and toilets each within 13 council areas, 10 ICT centres, 15 primary health centres, community museum, ýsolar light, bore holes among others.

    Lauding one the projects, the Principal of Gboro Muslim College, Saki, Mallam Alimi Hamzat said:”I want to appreciate your kind gesture. You have in a long way contributed to the development of education in this area, because what you are giving us is not just a block of three classrooms, but an executive block which is made up of modern toilets, furniture, electricity, slide windows among others.”

    Senator Agboola who was quick to remember his Alma Mata, Baptist High School, Saki, constructed a modern ICT centre fully equipped with computers and same was replicated at Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Ago-Are and Igbojaye Community High School.

    The schools commissioned include, the Apostolic Church Basic School III, Olopemarun in Ogbomosho South. Ori-Oke Community Senior High School, Ogbomoso North, UMCA Grammar School, Olorunsogo, Nybrosis Primary School, Oke-Suna Tege, Kisi in Orelope Local Government, Gboro Community Secondary School, Saki in Saki West Local Government, IDGS Secondary School, Iseyin Local Government, Nawarudeen Primary School, Okaka among others.

    Explaining how the projects would be sustained, Agboola said the schools will be maintained by the state government and the community, while the health centres will be handed over to the National Agency for Primary Health Centre.

    The Iba of Kisi, Oba Masoud Oyekola Arowoduye, Ounjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan II , and  Oolokaka of Okaka, Ayoola Azeez Olatunji, all commended the lawmaker and endorsed the him for second term when he visited them in their palaces.

    At Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Saki station, Agboola donated N55 million towards the upgrading of their equipment. And justifying the reason for the kind gesture the lawmaker said:” I have been assisting NTA since I was a commissioner and I always influence people to assist them. I will also do more because this is one of the means my people can have a view of what is happening all over Nigeria”

    In his appreciation address, the General Manager of the station, Alh Fatai Adiyeloja said:” Agboola has fulfilled his promises to his constituency with laudable projects, and a whooping sun of N55 million was lavished on our station for the rehabilitation of all our equipments, which is epoch in the history of this station and it’s the first time a lawmaker in Nigeria will be doing this for any television station in Nigeria. We now transmit regularly and we now have a wide coverage. We have refurbished two vehicles and our studio has been rehabilitated among others”

  • Lawmaker empowers constituents

    Lawmaker empowers constituents

    When Fatima Binta Bello was elected to represent Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, her promise was to offer the people of the area an effective and quality representation, while being accountable to them.

    So, when she decided to gather the people of her constituency inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Stadium in Kaltungo on June 7, 2014, it was to show of appreciation for electing her to represent them. She also used the occasion to empower many of them.

    The Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government Area, Musa Buba Awak described the event as “a demonstration of love, commitment and dedication by a daughter of the land. In her desire to better the lot of members of her constituency, she has embarked on these enormous programmes that aim at reducing the rate of poverty among members of her constituency.

    “It was a day that marked yet another milestone in the provision of democratic benefits in line with Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo transformation agenda. The governor has continually transformed the state from rural settlement to a modern state.

    Governor Dankwambo called on other members of the National Assembly from the state to shun political and other differences and pool their resources to assist the people of their constituencies. He reminded elected office holders not to look at the number of votes they got from some areas during their elections but to empower the people with love as a way of winning their hearts, noting that Binta Bello’s contribution to the development of her constituency and the state would ever be remembered.

    In her remark, the lawmaker said she was inspired by Governor Dankwambo’s commitment to developing the entire state to reach out to her constituents describing him as a “role model, positive influence and ultimate transformer of the state”.

    She noted that the empowerment programme was her own way of keying into the transformation agenda in Gombe State, adding that she embarked on the empowerment programme “in order to reduce the level of poverty among the people in the area”.

    She further said apart from the empowerment programme, about 300 students in various higher institutions of learning across the country and the Fatima Bello ICT Centre in Kaltungo which has so far graduated 350 students, have benefitted from her scholarship scheme.

    The lawmaker said: “Boreholes have been sunk in all the 20 wards that make up my constituency. This gesture aimed at providing potable water for my people.”

    According to her, eight other communities benefited from solar-powered boreholes, in addition to solar-powered light in Kamu, Tungo, Ture, Burak, Jauro Sajo and Lalaipido communities.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal praised the efforts of colleague of his whom he said has performed well both at home and in the National Assembly.

    He called on the people to re-elect her in the 2015 general elections in order to continually witness quality representation at the House of Representatives. He asked other members of the National Assembly to emulate Bello’s example and remain focused in order to empower their constituencies.

    The Speaker said: “Legislators need to have the interest of their people at heart. Doing so will not only translate to proper and quality representation, but would also give their people sense of belonging and accomplishment anywhere they found themselves.”

    Tambuwal challenged lawmakers to intensify their efforts in empowering their people in order to make them be self-reliant; stressing that it was their responsibility to empower them.

    He further said: “Our job is to see that members of our constituencies are empowered.”

    He, however, called on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of allowing parliamentarians to serve for multiple tenures as obtained in developed democracies. This, he believes, would bring about the much-needed maturity of the country’s democracy, adding that “as you know, in the legislature, we don’t have term limit. A member can return for as long as he is doing what the constituency is happy with.

    “In developed democracies, there are parliamentarians who have been in the parliament for over 40 years and they are still there. I believe this is a good culture that should be promoted for our democracy to grow. A situation whereby more than 80 per cent of members of the legislators lose their seats in any fresh election is not encouraging.

    “I plead with the Nigerian public and, in particular, our leaders to appreciate the fact that we need as many members as possible to be re-elected in next year’s election.”

    Some of the items donated were 100 hospital beds, 100 mattresses, 100 pillows and 100 bed sheets for the 200-bed Snakebite Hospital at Kaltungo under construction; 11 maternity clinics and two cottage hospitals in Shongom Local Government Area with one examination bed, one stainless screen cover and one wheel chair in each of the 13 health facilities.

    She also provided 120 grinding machines, 200 sewing machines, 50 taliya making machines and 100 hair dryers to women in Shongom and Kaltungo local government areas to enhance their socio-economic life while male youths of the constituency received 52 Keke NAPEP tricycles, 20 car washing machines and 100 barbing machines.

    There were 10 wheel chairs for 10 crippled persons and 100 electricity generating sets for other members of the constituency. Dry season farmers were all smiles as they received 40 irrigation pumping machines.

  • A widow’s reward for constituents

    A widow’s reward for constituents

    Widows are considered to be among the less-privileged in the society. They, therefore, attract sympathy from well-meaning individuals. Nobody expects anything worthwhile from them; rather, they receive from people who are moved by their plights as they have lost their husbands who should take care of them.

    However, it is unusual for a widow to give  back to the society to the tune of millions of Naira.

    This was case in Anambra North Senatorial Zone where Margery Okadigbo, wife of former Senate President, the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo, gave a lift to members of her constituency.

    It was surprising to most of her constituents, who believed she had not done enough for the people of the zone which she represents at the Senate.

    Recently, she presented several empowerment items worth N100 million to some members of her constituency.

    Senator Okadigbo, at Nteje, the headquarters of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, gave out 200 deep freezers, 100 grinding machines, 200 sewing machines, 120 motor cycles, three ambulances and seven vehicles to the people.

    Those who benefitted were mainly her campaign coordinators from ward to local government, widows and other less-privileged individuals.

    Each widow received a cooler while ward chairmen received a motorcycle each. The seven cars were for her campaign coordinators. Some less-privileged received deep freezers and sewing machines, among other items.

    The Senate President, David Mark, who received a chieftaincy title of Dikeora from Ogbunike during the event, was accompanied by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

    Also in his company were Senators Nuru Dim from Kogi, Paulinus Igwe from Ebonyi, Esuene from Akwa-Ibom State and former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih.

    Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters and former Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike.

    The traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, and other monarchs were present at the event.

    Giving the car keys to the beneficiaries, Senator Mark urged them to use the vehicles judiciously to serve the purpose for which they were procured, advising those who did not get not to despair. He promised that they would benefit from such gesture in future.

    Noting that they were at the event to honour and support a colleague and not for a campaign, he reminded the people of Anambra North Senatorial zone of the need to continually support a winning team.

    Governor Obiano said through Uzodike that what Senator Okadigbo did was part of the state government’s programme of empowering the youth, widows and the less-privileged people.

    He said despite Senator Okadigbo belonging to another party, she would receive the support of the state government in such event because it tilts towards eradication of poverty in the society.

    Uchenna Okafor, who is the chairman of Oyi Local Government Area and a member of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), praised Senator Okadigbo for empowering some members of her constituency.

    He described the empowerment programme of Okadigbo as the first of its kind in the area.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Senator Okadigbo said it was her own little way of saying thank you to her constituents for standing by her during all those years of trauma when she lost her husband and during the legal battle to reclaim her mandate.

    She said: “This is a tip of the iceberg. Before now, I believe I have done a lot to all the seven local government areas under my constituency and more empowerment programmes are coming.

    “I do not care what some people, especially those who are not members of my party, are saying. But if you move around in Anambra North Senatorial zone and ask questions, people will tell you the truth and you will see things for yourself.

    “Politics is not about talking or praising oneself, it is a ground where your works speak for one. The people of the zone know that I have served them well within the two years I have been in the Senate.”

    For Innocent Nwanta from Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area who received a motorcycle, it was a dream come true and only God would reward the Senator.

    Also, Josephine Ayadiuno from Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Area who received a sewing machine, praised Senator Okadigbo, saying her empowerment programme was the best thing that has ever happened to them.

    Amechi Obi from Umueze-Anam in Anambra West who received a generating set and a clipper, the people of the zone would continue to support Senator Okadigbo.

    Others who spoke in like manner were Angelina Modu from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area and Nwagu Chika from Fegge in Onitsha South Local Government Area, among other beneficiaries.

  • Senator to empower 700 constituents

    Senator to empower 700 constituents

    The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Margery Okadigbo, said yesterday that she had concluded arrangements to empower 700 people in Anambra North.

    She urged doctors to call off their strike in the interest of the masses.

    The lawmaker, who spoke at a news conference in Abuja, said Senate President David Mark is expected to lead other National Assembly lawmakers to her district for the empowerment programme.

    She noted that iced coolers, motorcycles, grinding machines, beauty generators, barbers’ kits “and other things that will make a difference in the lives of widows, youths and other vulnerable groups will be distributed.”

    Mrs. Okadigbo described the strike in the health sector as personal to her because of the manner her late husband, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, died 11 years ago.

    She said: “I will be two years in the Senate on July 17, but I will say I was effectively in the upper chamber for one year because the first year was spent in the court room chasing judgment.

    “I feel it is right to appreciate the district that stood by me throughout the struggle.

    “On July 18 I will organise my empowerment day, which will be the first in the district.

    “The people are excited about it because it has never happened in such a large scale in the seven local governments comprising 99 wards of the district.

    “We will empower about 700 people, giving them items. Mark will be the special guest of honour.

  • Senate Leader empowers constituents with N150m

    Senate Leader empowers constituents with N150m

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba has donated several items to people of the Central Senatorial District in Cross River State, which he represents, for their empowerment.

    Items he gave out at an event at Government Secondary School Ikom Local Government Area  included 50 brand new cars, garri grinding machines, corn mills, oil mills, sets of flat screen televisions, electricity generating sets and decoders for viewing centres, among others.

    According to him, the items were procured at the cost of N150 million and was the fifth in series of empowerment programmes he has carried out this year among which are scholarships to students and grants to widows.

    He said in the past week, 26 cars had been given out in addition to the 50 given at the event.

    Also he said 121 constituents who trained at the Entrepreneurial Development Centre in Calabar were given N200, 000 to start up their businesses.

    Complete band sets were given to 22 churches in the district.

    Beneficiaries were drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

    He urged  those who have not yet benefited to be patient as they would get theirs in the near future.

    Senate President David Mark, who also attended the event, praised the Senate Leader for the gesture, saying it would bring succour to the people.

    He commended the cordial relationship between the governor, Liyel Imoke and Ndoma-Egba.

    He said if the empowerment was to be sustained, it was necessary that the people support Ndoma-Egba for another term in office.

    Mark said: “The governor spoke about sustainable empowerment. How would we have this? If Victor Ndoma-Egba goes back to the Senate, then there will be sustainable empowerment. If he doesn’t go back, you cannot sustain the empowerment. I hope this is clear to those who are here. Go out and spread that message.

    “When you say the Senate is stable, there are two people who make it very stable. They are the Deputy President of the Senate and Leader of the Senate. So, you have produced a son who has made a mark in this country. He has helped to stabilise a very important institution of democracy in this country.”

    Governor Liyel Imoke also praised the Senate Leader for the empowerment programme, even as he urged other lawmakers to emulate same.

    His words: “Democracy is not about self but the people. Those who represent us are expected by our people to truly empower them, to go out there and work for them and bring good things for them. We are here to witness the good things Ndoma-Egba has brought to his people in the central senatorial district.

    “Today, we come to honour the Senate Leader as our own son who has done well and who deemed it necessary to come to his people and say thank you. All our representatives must engage in empowerment. I am talking about sustainable empowerment. They must ensure that our people truly feel the impact of democracy.

    “I want to thank our leader for purposeful leadership at the national level and here in the state. I want to thank our son for being part of that family that today makes Cross River State proud.”

    Also speaking, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Adamu Muazu, who was represented by Dr Steve Oru, said if one does not empower people, hatred is built.

    He urged other leaders to continue to empower their people.

    Chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr John Okon, described the gesture as part of the dividends of democracy.

    “The party would be strong if we continue to show these kind of gestures. We are very proud of Victor Ndoma-Egba,” he said

  • Jakande’s payback time for constituents

    Jakande’s payback time for constituents

    In one fell swoop, Hon. Ayodeji Jakande, a member of the House of Representatives and son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, distributed materials worth millions of naira to empower 500 people in his constituency, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Labib Ayodeji, is gradually stepping into his father’s shoes.

    Since his election in 2011, as member of the House of Representatives representing Somolu Federal Constituency, the young Jakande, has silently embarked on projects aimed at improving his constituents.

    With a state-of-the-art, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at CMS Primary School, training hundreds of youth, luxury buses conveying pupils to and from school, executing first phase of his ‘Operation hundred thousand books’ aimed at making 100,000 exercise books available free to school children and annual football competition, the lawmaker surely knows what it takes to keep young minds busy and focused.

    Also, to engage the adults, Hon. Jakande has built a Skill Acquisition Centre, where different vocational trainings are offered. Boreholes have also been provided in areas lacking potable water, while transformers have been given to at least four streets in Fadeyi, Bariga and Somolu to boost electricity supply in addition to the provision of street lights in six areas.

    As if these were not enough, on Thursday, February 20, Jakande empowered no fewer than 500 people at Baptist Academy School Grounds, Obanikoro.

    The event that coincided with his 44th birthday saw the beneficiaries turning out in large numbers, early enough to herald the commencement of the poverty alleviation and welfare programme.

    The materials distributed included grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, generating sets, tool boxes, deep freezers and cash.

    Hon. Jakande thanked the people for their supports and used the opportunity to present his score card.

    He thanked his father for his presence and pledged to maintain the integrity, pedigree and virtue which “our family name has earned and which our patriarch worked hard for. It is my fervent prayer that I uplift and maintain the height of my family name.”

    Jakande did not forget to thank the people of his constituency.

    “I am indebted to you and promise not only to surpass my father’s public service records but also to reward you for your overwhelming support to me at the general elections. You remain my hub around which I revolve at the National Assembly, hence the reason why we are gathered here today.

    “Since assumption of office, I have made it a personal duty to highlight a few democratic dividends for the peoples’ benefit and this will continue for long.”

    He rallied supports for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

    “May I at this juncture appreciate the effort of my mentor, the man who is for the total emancipation of the entire nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for helping me chart my political course and giving me renewed relevance with the people of Somolu. I also thank Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the support over the years. When people come into your life and make a difference, it is only proper to acknowledge God in them. I consider myself lucky.

    “I equally appreciate my leaders in APC, the party with the vision of making a great change in the history of this country,” he said.

    While lauding the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal’s leadership style, Jakande said his presence has fired up his passion for governance.

    “Mr Speaker Sir, your leadership style which I call ‘Borderless Politics’ is no doubt huge on my mind. I make bold to add that; since the advent of our democracy in 1999, you are the only Speaker truly with a Nigerian mandate and the good people of Somolu join me in thanking you for finding time out of your tight schedule to be with us. May you have your heart desires,” he prayed.

    Tambuwal, the special guest of honour, was full of praise for the father of the lawmaker, Alhaji Jakande, who was also present at the event.

    According to him, politicians all over the country should emulate the good works of the second republic governor of Lagos State.

    He hailed the young Jakande for his lofty ideals of presenting empowerment items to members of his constituency, describing the act as Godly and timely.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items as it was a way of not only eradicating poverty but also make them self-reliant.

    Excited by the gesture, an APC stalwart, Senator Anthony Adefuye, described the programme as timely.

    Adefuye, a one-time member of the National Assembly canvassed a second term tenure in the lower chamber for Hon Jakande.

    Alhaji Jakande thanked the Speaker for being a true Nigerian noting that no leader of the House of Representatives has ever been non-partisan in relating with people like Tambuwal. The statesman urged other leaders to emulate the Speaker.

  • Senator empowers constituents with N120m tools

    Senator empowers constituents with N120m tools

    The senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ayoade Adeseun, has given out several items, tools and equipment worth N120 million to his constituents.

    The empowerment, which was held at the Durbar Stadium, Oyo, set the ancient city agog for most hours of the day.

    Among the items distributed were 60 vehicles, 200 fridges, 200 grinding machines, 200 motorcycles, 200 hair-dressing equipment, 200 sewing machines and 15 cows.

    Adeseun said the empowerment project was one of the ways to thank voters for their support in the last election and thereafter. He added that more of such were on the way.

    According to him, constituents deserve as much empowerment and appreciation as possible because they have been supportive all these years.

    A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who chai-red the occasion, commended Ade-seun, saying he is a kind person, particularly so because unlike some other politicians he described as insincere, he does not blow the trumpet of his charitable deeds to his people.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, also commended the senator, stressing that he has proved to be reliable since he won his first election as a member of the House of Representatives. The monarch advised beneficiaries to put the items into good use.

    To Adeseun, splashing N120 million items on constituents was nothing big.

    He said: “There is nothing novel about what we are doing today. To some, it may be rather surprising or unusual. Most of my colleagues know that over the years, I have been embarking on programmes such as this. The idea is to thank those who supported us in the course of our electioneering efforts and when somebody has done something good, it is only normal that you come back and show your appreciation to them. That is what we are doing. The scale, of course, is unusual and that is very much like me.

    “Half of the recipients were presented by the party in all the local governments. The other half are individuals and other stakeholders. This is just a token for people to know that we did not just go there to represent ourselves alone. This is also in addition to the various developmental programme we have been doing over the years. We have trained over 50 people in each local government in several skill areas and empowered them. More of developmental and empowerment programmes are still coming.

    “In the course of service, we have had opportunities to facilitate employment into federal and state establishments for hundreds of our people. This is a kind of investment that you will reap in 10 to 20 years time.”

    Beneficiaries cut across the 11 local governments in the district with others from other local government areas in Ogbomoso land, his birth town.

    At the event were state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; Senator Kamoru Adedibu, local government chairmen and party leaders in the state.

  • A season of gifts for constituents

    A season of gifts for constituents

    The lawmaker representing Aba South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nwogu Iheasimuo has given out cash and gift items worth over N25 million to members of his constituency.

    For Hon. Iheasimuo’s close associates, he would have done more if he has the resources. For some of the beneficiaries, they never expected such a reward from their representative judged from their past experiences when past elected representatives from the area never remembered them.

    Items distributed to some beneficiaries were 48 mini-refrigerators, 22 electric blenders, 16 deep chest freezers, 10 sewing machines, 50 standing fans, seven counter-top ice makers, 100 electric irons, 18 mini-water dispensers, over 200 pieces of wrappers, two horsepower split air conditioners, seven Volkswagen Passat cars to all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairmen and one L300 mini-bus for Etiti na Ohazu Youths. Widow to a deceased PDP chairman received N200, 000 cash prize for the family’s upkeep.

    Though the event was meant to appreciate the electorate and some party officials in the constituency, it became a carnival-like when top politicians in the constituency and the state in their numbers were in attendance.

    First to arrive was Hon. Uzo Azubuike, member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. He was represented by his wife. Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu who was accompanied to the event by Hon. Blessing Nwagba, member representing Aba North State Constituency was also present.

    Other dignitaries at the event were Chief Charles Ogbonna, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, traditional rulers in Aba South and PDP’s South-East Legal Adviser, Barrister Thomas Nkoro, among other state and local government party officials.

    Rt. Hon. Oko Chukwu was impressed by Iheasimuo’s gesture, even as he said it was the first time in Aba North when a member of the state legislature would be such generous to the people of the constituency.

    The Speaker, who described the donor as the only member of the House that has always performed his duties diligently, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items.

    He said: “Elected representatives are becoming responsible to the people than in the previous years. Hon. Iheasimuo is a blessing to the people of Aba South Local Government Area. He is not only successful in attending to his peoples’ needs; he is also successful in the House through his contributions. This is the first time in the history of the local government that a member of the state legislature is giving out such gifts to his people.

    “His philanthropy has given him popularity that he once stole the show from me in a programme we attended together in my own constituency.”

    Chief Charles Ogbonna, Abia State Deputy Chief of Staff said the lawmaker has set ‘a dangerous’ precedent that will be difficult for his successors to surpass, even as he urged other lawmakers to emulate the legacy the member of the House has set.

    Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Iheasimuo said it became necessary that he thanked the people who gave him mandate to represent their interest in the state House of Assembly, adding that the gifts were not distributed based on party affiliation but on the basis of reaching out to the people of his constituency no matter their party leanings.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed their happiness. They thanked Hon. Iheasimuo for his generosity of spirit. They promised their continued support for the lawmaker.

  • Lawmaker connects with constituents

    Lawmaker connects with constituents

    Hundreds of appreciative residents of Ikorodu 1 constituency trooped to the Ikorodu Town Hall in Lagos on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, as their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade gave his mid-term account of stewardship.

    Giving account of his stewardship in the past two years, Agunbiade, who was elected to the House in 2007 and re-elected in 2011 for a second term said he has been able to impact on the lives of his constituents in several ways.

    According to him, “in the area of representation I have made direct and indirect impact on the lives of Ikorodu people, providing employment opportunities, empowering women and youths, providing interest free loan for small scale businesses, giving youths opportunity of learning ICT free, intervening in the collapsed state of Ikorodu roads and making sure that I  did not only call the attention of necessary authorities to urgently fix them but also engaged in direct advocacy to see to the fixing of the roads.

    “I have also contributed in uplifting the educational standard through schools rehabilitation, rewarding academic excellence and assisting youths to secure admission on merit. I have made impact also in the area of provision of borehole water, facilitating electrification and educating electorate on government policies like my public discourse on Road Traffic Law,” he said.

    As a lawmaker, Agunbiade said he has participated and contributed to legislative proceedings significantly “and this has been acknowledged by various honours and awards”, and he is also an advocate of legislative development in the country.

    “I have a record of consistent attendance and contributory participation at the sittings of the House of Assembly. I have raised issues, moved and supported motions and participated in debates on affairs of the state and the welfare of the people I represent,” Agunbiade maintained.

    He reminded the people of the bad state of many roads in the area in the past, but which has now changed due to his persistence in telling the state government about the plight of his people in the area of roads.

    “We intervened in the area of roads rehabilitation through the Minister of Works and Commissioner for Works in Lagos State. Many roads are being fixed currently,” he said. To crown it, the on-going Mile 12-Ikorodu Road, he maintained, is a product of his constant pressure on the state government to make the road more motorable for the people.

    Elaborating more on his achievements in the past two years, Agunbiade said that he has been able to sink five boreholes in different areas in the constituency and rehabilitated four within the last two years apart from the ones he did in his first term in office. “I have facilitated the clearing of two major canals also”.

    On education, Agunbiade said he has graduated a total of 1,378 youths in ICT in the past five editions of the programme while another set of 138 just graduated and he usually gives out a computer set each to the best three graduating students every year. “I have done best brain contest for students in both public and private schools in my constituency and given winners and all participating schools awards to promote academic excellence.”

    The lawmaker expressed regret that over 60 per cent of petitions (to the Assembly) in respect of violent disputes on land matters are from  Ikorodu, thanking God for the  amicable resolution of these matters which has averted further violence and blooding-letting.

    Expressing sadness over the issue of land speculators popularly called ‘Ajagungbales’, which he said has given Ikorodu a bad name in the state he said: “Aside from private bills I co-sponsored, I have made good my promise to get the state take a practical step on the problems of “Ajagungbales” which has given Ikorodu a severely bad name within and outside the state. As I speak with you, I have with the support and encouragement of Hon. Bayo Oshinowo, (Chairman, House Committee on Lands) initiated a private member bill to protect landed properties in Lagos State; criminalise and penalise activities of “Ajagungbales”, their sponsors and collaborators with imprisonment. The bill has gone through the 1st and 2nd reading and now at the committee stage awaiting public hearing.

    “Also, as it relates to land matters, I have as a legislator but substantially with the assistance of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and other members, persuaded the suspension of demolition of over 500 houses at Odo-Nla; another 400 at Aribila; over 300 houses at Oke-Arubi and almost 400 at Parafa.”

    While thanking God for the journey so far,  Agunbiade, recalled that he facilitated employment for 16 people both in public and private sectors while also facilitating medical treatment for three people; two on eye surgery and one for kidney related problem.

    In furtherance of his desire to assist his people, the lawmaker gave out interest free loan ranging from N25,000 to N50,000 to traders and some party members at the programme, this being the third edition of the exercise.

    He said, “We have influenced loans for the constituents through banks and today 50 market women will get N50,000 each without interest as I have paid the interest, 117 members of the party would be going home with cheques of N25,000 each as loans.

    According to him, with the assistance of the Deputy Governor of the State, the Permanent Secretary and staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), he was able to facilitate the vocational training of over 650 people comprising women and youths in the constituency.

    The training, he said was in different vocations ranging from hair dressing, soap making, cake confectionaries, balloon and decoration, hat making and others.

    “These women were drawn from all the nooks and crannies of the constituency and nominated by CDAs, religious bodies, distinguished personalities, party leaders, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the constituency. They were certified by the ministry and I gave out N10,000 to each of the best 50 beneficiaries as encouragement,” he said.

    The lawmaker also reminded the people of his various electrification projects apart from the provision of adequate security for the people with the support of the law enforcement agents in the area.

    “You don’t need to wait for election period to do things for your people, the first year I was elected, I did the first edition of the loan programme. I am just trying to give back to my constituency because to whom much is given, much is expected. We don’t collect constituency allowance, none of us get such to do projects, we only collect our salaries and imprest.”

    According to him, his motivation is the need to give back to the people. “I want to make impact in the lives of the people,” he emphasised.

    In his speech, interim chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Dele Ajomale commended Agunbiade for his activities since he got to the Assembly. He recalled that it was Agunbiade that saved the party from embarrassment in the area in 2007, when they almost lost to the opposition parties.

    Present at the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Power and Political Bureau, Hon. Musiliu Folami, Cardinal James Odumbaku, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye, wife of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Olori Muibat Oyefusi, party chieftains, politicians, students, market women and residents of the town.

  • Senator empowers constituents with N80m

    Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, representing Kano North, yesterday distributed empowerment items worth over N80 million to scores of beneficiaries in the 13 local government areas under his constituency.

    Gwarzo also used the occasion to announce his plans to establish N400 million Girls’ Science Secondary School in Gwarzo town.

    According to him, contacts have already been made to begin the project.

    The senator said the Kano State Government has given its consent to the gesture to complement Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s revolution in the education sector.

    Gwarzo also said the establishment of the proposed Girls’ Science Secondary School was dream come true, adding that he has been on the vanguard of promoting girl-child education.

    He said the school, upon completion, will have two science laboratories, two hostels, a library, a twin three-bedroom flats for the principal and his vice as well as four other structures to serve as the staff quarters.