A prominent politician in Osun State and a stalwart of the Accord Party, Chief Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, popularly known as APATA, has empowered more than 500 residents from towns and villages across the Osun West Senatorial District with cash grants and working tools to promote economic self-reliance.
At the programme held at Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area, ten beneficiaries received business support grants. Nine beneficiaries received N200,000 each as start-up grants, while one beneficiary, who opted for the monetisation of a motorcycle, received N1.2 million, being the value of the motorcycle. Other beneficiaries were presented with motorcycles, sewing machines, generators, industrial freezers, grinding machines, hair dryers, industrial shoe-making machines, clippers, mobile phones and other vocational equipment.
Speaking at the event organised by APATA CARES Foundation, Chief Ogundeji said the initiative was aimed at complementing the developmental efforts of Governor Ademola Adeleke, improving livelihoods and mobilising grassroots support for his re-election in the August 15 governorship election.
He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items. He appealed to eligible voters who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so to participate in the election.
Chief Ogundeji also announced that 700 farmers had been selected to benefit from the distribution of spraying machines and agricultural chemicals before the end of the week.
The Special Guest of Honour and Yeyeluwa of Ede Land, Chief Dr Mrs Modupeola Sanni-Adeleke, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people.
She advised beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them to improve their livelihoods, while urging other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture, noting that government alone could not meet the needs of the people.
She also thanked the people of Osun State for their support for the Adeleke administration and appealed to them to sustain it in the forthcoming governorship election.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr George Alabi, the Director of Administration of APATA CARES Foundation, Mr Akinlade Ogunsola, and Mrs Sofoluwe praised the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to poverty reduction and economic development.
Some of the beneficiaries, including the Coordinator of APATA Political Movement in Ede North, Femi Adefisan, that of the Media Coordinator, Babajide Oluwadare; Deborah Taiwo; Afolabi Abosede; Oyegbile Farouq; and Ajiboye Thomas, expressed gratitude for the support, saying the items would improve their means of livelihood.
The event attracted traditional rulers, Accord Party leaders and supporters from across Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State.