In a remarkable display of legislative commitment, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, has empowered 854 constituents with N100,000 each, alongside providing various empowerment tools aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.
The event, held at the iconic Ake Palace in Abeokuta, marks another milestone in Afuape’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of his people.
The empowerment initiative was one of the major highlights of the day, which saw numerous beneficiaries receive cash gifts and professional tools, including motorcycles, sewing machines, and hair dryers, to enhance their livelihood.
This gesture is part of Afuape’s broader mission to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment in the constituency.
Earlier in the day, Afuape hosted a stakeholders’ engagement at the Ce Tenaty Hall in Abeokuta, where he took time to reflect on his legislative journey over the past year.
In a well-received speech, the lawmaker emphasized the importance of his legislative contributions and detailed his achievements in education, security, power, and youth empowerment.
Hon. Afuape has made significant strides in advancing the welfare of his constituents through key legislative actions.
As part of his core responsibilities, the lawmaker said he has sponsored a series of bills aimed at improving national governance and local development.
Notable among these are the National Farm Settlements Agency Bill, aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector, and the Police Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to improve policing in Nigeria.
Other legislative initiatives highlighted by Afuape include the National Council for Arts and Culture Amendment Bill and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Amendment Bill.
Additionally, he has initiated motions to address issues such as the provision of stable electricity for consumers and the promotion of traditional fabric industries like Adire and Kampala, as part of his cultural advocacy.
Afuape’s commitment to his constituency extends beyond legislation to concrete community interventions.
Over the course of the year, he has facilitated several infrastructural projects, particularly in the education sector.
Notable projects include the construction of classrooms at St. John’s High School, Kuto, and Methodist Primary School, Ogbe, alongside ongoing renovations at Ijaye Community Primary School, Ghangba, Abeokuta.
These efforts are aimed at enhancing the learning environment for students and supporting the educational development of the constituency.
In addition, the lawmaker has installed solar-powered street lights in strategic locations, contributing to improved security in the area.
Afuape also emphasized his legislative support for job creation, highlighting his role in facilitating employment opportunities for constituents within various government agencies and organizations.
Afuape’s dedication to empowering the youth in his constituency was evident in his distribution of startup grants and equipment to young entrepreneurs.
Through various training programs, including solar panel installation and sewing machine donations, he has helped many young people acquire marketable skills that will empower them to create their own businesses.
Further reinforcing his commitment to job creation, the lawmaker has provided revolving loans to traders and artisans in partnership with community-based associations such as the Panseke Traders Association and Itoko-Keesi-Emere Women’s Group. Afuape also mentioned that 50 people had been appointed as Legislative Aides, providing them with valuable work experience.
While Afuape’s efforts have been lauded, the event also saw several stakeholders voice pressing concerns.
One participant appealed to the lawmaker to spearhead legislation aimed at curbing the growing issue of drug abuse in the constituency, which has become a significant challenge, particularly among the youth.
The call for an urgent intervention resonated with the attendees, who urged Afuape to prioritize laws that would combat the rising drug abuse problem.
Another participant called for the activation of farm settlements within the constituency to help bolster agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
The participant highlighted the potential of such initiatives to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Abeokuta South.
In response to these concerns, Afuape expressed his commitment to addressing the issues, noting that he would explore all avenues to initiate legislative actions on both fronts.
He pledged to work towards the activation of farm settlements and stressed the importance of laws to tackle drug abuse and its related challenges.
He acknowledged the hurdles that remain but reassured his constituents of his unwavering dedication to their welfare. The lawmaker invited feedback from the attendees, encouraging constructive criticism to help refine his efforts moving forward.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
