The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, has rolled out an empowerment package worth over ₦20 million for artisans’ associations, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executives and grassroots stakeholders in Ibarapa East State Constituency, alongside the donation of two brand-new Bajaj motorcycles to the Park Management System (PMS).
The program which was held yesterday inside Eruwa town hall was attended by leaders and stakeholders of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM in Ibarapa East Local Government
The intervention, which cuts across 50 artisans’ associations and former party executives at the local government and ward levels, is aimed at strengthening economic activities, fulfilling earlier promises and recognising the contributions of grassroots political stakeholders to the electoral successes recorded in the constituency.
Speaking during the presentation, RT. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin explained that the financial support to the artisans was in fulfilment of commitments he had previously made to the various associations.
He noted that the gesture was also intended to appreciate the former PDP executives who worked tirelessly to mobilise support and drive grassroots campaigns during the 2023 general elections.
Under the empowerment arrangement, the Speaker allocated ₦10 million to 50 artisans’ associations across the constituency, with each association receiving ₦200,000 to support its members and strengthen their respective trades.
The Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle Repair, Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) received ₦2 million to support its activities, while the Park Management System (PMS) was presented with two brand-new Bajaj motorcycles to enhance its operational activities in Ibarapa East.
The former political executives were also beneficiaries of the intervention. The immediate past local government executive committee members received a collective sum of ₦2 million, while the 50 former principal ward executives representing the 10 wards in the constituency received ₦100,000 each, amounting to ₦5 million.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin acknowledged the different political affiliations represented within the various artisans’ associations, emphasising that the empowerment programme was not designed to solicit political support or influence the political choices of the beneficiaries.
He maintained that the intervention was driven by his commitment to honouring promises made to the associations and supporting their associations.
The Speaker urged the beneficiaries to exercise their democratic rights independently and make informed electoral choices based on the performance, credibility and track records of candidates.
“Your preferred candidate is who you should vote for; do not allow anybody to interfere with your decision. My advice is that you should vote for the best candidate based on his or her track record of achievements,” he said.
The Speaker, however, expressed confidence in the candidates presented by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), noting that the party had fielded candidates for elective positions from the presidential to the legislative levels.
The Speaker also spoke positively about the emergence of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi as the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, describing his choice as a significant development for the party and its political platform.
The benefiting artisans’ associations cut across several trades and professional groups including Carpenters, Bricklayers, Hairdressers, Tailors, Motor Spare Parts Sellers, Nylon Makers, Vulcanisers, Barbers, Photographers and Videographers, Welders, Sawmillers, Food Sellers and Building Materials Sellers Associations.
Others are Shoemakers, the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), Cloth Sellers, Pepper Sellers, Fruit Sellers, Beer and Paraga Sellers, Drummers, Cassava Sellers, Cocoa and Cashew Sellers, and Butchers Associations.
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