By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A political support group in Ogun State, Redemption Mission Group (RMG), at the weekend empowered no fewer than 350 beneficiaries during its maiden empowerment programme tagged “Renewed Hope Youth Mega Empowerment and Award.”

The event, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; a member of the House of Representatives representing Odeda/Abeokuta North/Obafemi/Owode Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumide Osoba; and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolasade Adeyemo among others.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the programme, Elemide urged Nigerians to obtain and study copies of the newly enacted tax law before criticizing the ongoing tax reforms, stressing that informed engagement is crucial for meaningful public discourse.

According to him, reactions trailing the tax reform are largely driven by assumptions and hearsay rather than a proper understanding of the provisions of the law.

“The tax law is a public document accessible to all Nigerians. Citizens owe it to themselves to read and understand it before forming opinions or spreading criticism,” he said.

He also challenged members of the media to uphold their professional responsibility by studying the law and accurately educating the public, emphasizing that the reform is not what many people have been made to believe.

Elemide explained that individuals earning below ₦5 million annually have little or nothing to fear, noting that the structure of the reform protects low-income earners while promoting fairness in revenue generation.

“For instance, someone earning about ₦200,000 monthly earns roughly ₦2.4 million annually and is largely unaffected. The real impact is on very high-income earners, such as those earning ₦100 million monthly, translating to about ₦1.2 billion annually,” he explained.

He added that the core objective of the reform is to place a higher tax burden on the wealthy in order to provide support for the less privileged, lamenting that it is often the poor who are mobilised to oppose policies meant to protect them.

The Speaker stressed the need for adequate public enlightenment, warning that uninformed criticism could derail policies designed to promote equity and social justice.

Commending youths and political supporters for their constructive engagement, Elemide urged them to sustain their activities with discipline, respect for leadership and commitment to democratic values. He also called on leaders to deliberately groom youths for leadership positions to avert future leadership crises in the country.

While noting that political leadership is not attained overnight, he said it requires hard work, perseverance and consistency.

Elemide, however, cautioned beneficiaries against selling empowerment items, recalling past experiences where such resources were misused.

“Empowerment programmes are meant to improve livelihoods and must be handled responsibly. Even ₦10 can make a difference if properly invested,” he said.

In a related development, Hon. Olumide Osoba described the empowerment initiative as a sincere effort to give back to grassroots supporters who worked tirelessly for the emergence of President Bola Tinubu.

Osoba said the APC reward system is functioning effectively, encouraging youths to remain committed to community development and participatory governance, adding that dedication and perseverance would continue to yield positive outcomes.

On his part, the Convener and President of RMG, Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo, said the programme was designed to restore hope, empower the grassroots and complement government efforts at inclusive development.

He disclosed that Elemide encouraged him to establish an independent political support group and handed over the name “Redemption Mission Group,” describing the gesture as the foundation upon which the organisation was built.

Adebayo noted that the group has grown from a small political movement into a platform that produces legislative aides, special assistants and political appointees at both state and local government levels.

He also acknowledged the consistent support of Hon. Olumide Osoba, whom he described as a dependable ally of the group since inception.

Adebayo urged youths to remain focused, humble and committed to service, assuring them that dedication would naturally attract mentors and opportunities.

Items distributed included tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, generators, grinding machines and bags of rice.