No fewer than 500 residents of Osun State on Monday benefited from a mega empowerment programme organised by an Accord Party chieftain, Peter Ogundeji popularly known as Apata, in Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The beneficiaries received motorcycles, grinding machines, generators, freezers, sewing machines, hair dryers, cash grants and other empowerment items aimed at improving their means of livelihood.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Modupe Sanni-Adeleke, commended Apata for complementing the efforts of the state government through the empowerment initiative.
She urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture, stressing that government alone could not meet the needs of the people.
According to her, the empowerment would help reduce poverty, while beneficiaries were advised not to sell the items but use them productively.
She also called on residents of Osun State to come out in large numbers on August 15 to exercise their civic responsibility by voting for Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Also speaking, Peter Ogundeji said the programme was organised to support residents across Osun West Senatorial District while also mobilising support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He explained that beneficiaries were selected from communities across the Osun West Senatorial District, particularly all towns, villages and wards in Ejigbo Local Government Area, to ensure fair representation.
Apata said the empowerment covered sewing machines, hair dryers, grinding machines, generating sets, motorcycles and business grants, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to improve their lives.
He also appealed to the beneficiaries to continue supporting Governor Adeleke and vote for his second-term bid in the August 15 governorship election.
One of the beneficiaries and Coordinator of the Apata Political Movement in Ede North, Femi Adefisan, described the initiative as a commendable gesture, noting that Apata had consistently supported people through similar programmes.
Adefisan appreciated Apata for extending the empowerment to members of the Accord Party, describing the programme as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of the people.
Also speaking, the Media Coordinator of the movement, Babajide Oluwadare, described the empowerment as one of the largest organised by the group, noting that it covered beneficiaries from 10 local government areas.
He advised beneficiaries to maximise the items received, saying the empowerment would improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
