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Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The majority leader of Ogun state House of Assembly, Sherif Yusuf has revealed that his passion to empower his people was borne out of the desire to make them dependent and financially stable.
Yusuf, who is representing the Ado-Odo Ota state constituency 1 noted that, empowering the people will bridge the gap between poverty and unemployment.
He said this on Sunday at the empowerment programme he organised for his constituents in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The majority leader empowered his constituents with motorcycles, grinding machines, generator sets, tailoring machines, gas cookers, standing fans, barber clippers, fridges, freezers, and sound systems.
Not less than 100 constituents also benefited from cash gifts.
Speaking at the empowerment programme, the lawmaker explained that when people are equipped with skills and knowledge, they will be able to earn a living.
He noted that his desire is to see many self-employed and independent people in his constituency.
He added, “As a politician, the importance of empowering the constituents cannot be over emphasized, as it is one of the avenue of appreciating our people and giving back to the society, Therefore, I have put together this program to once again express my appreciation to my people and show them that, they mean a lot to me.
“When people are empowered, they are equipped with skills and knowledge with which they will be able to earn a living. In this way, they will both be able to get paid employment or start up a business and earn an income. Earning income is the first step towards poverty eradication.
“And, even if we can not totally eradicate unemployment and poverty, at least we can bring it to its barest minimum by reaching out to our constituents through empowerment programs like this.
“I have done many other privately sponsored projects for my Constituency, through the merger resources at my disposal. Today’s empowerment programme is another testification of my desire to uplift my constituents and make them self dependent, financially.”
In his remarks, Ogun State speaker, Olakunle Oluomo urged the people to give their votes to people that are already making impact.
Oluomo added that there is need for continuity so as to be able to bring dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
The speaker however lamented that the lawmakers have not received constituency allowance since the emergence of Governor Abiodun.
Oluomo explained that the lawmakers engage in monthly contribution so as to be able to empower their constituents.
He added, “Our governor is trying because he is doing a lot of jobs in different Local Government and constituency.
“Our constituency allowance has not been paid, but we are the owner of the party, it is our government and we will make sure it succeed.
“Despite not being paid, the assembly will not fight with the governor, we will always support and stand by him.
“What Ibeman is doing, it is not the governor that gave him money. I am a witness and that’s because I was the one telling them that they need to do something at home. They should not feel discourage because governor has not paid us constituency allowance.
“They asked me what they can do, so, I advised them to engage in monthly contribution and be using the money to embark on projects in their constituencies.
“I also engage in the same monthly contribution, that is what we have been using for constituency projects.”
