By Esther Onyegbula

No fewer than 150 residents of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State were, on Friday, empowered with business tools by the Vice-Chairman of the council, Hon. Abosede Olawunmi Balogun, in a move aimed at boosting self-reliance and supporting small-scale enterprises.

The empowerment exercise, which took place in Ado-Odo, saw beneficiaries receiving gas cylinders, mobile phones and barbing clippers to enhance their livelihoods and improve productivity in their respective trades.

Speaking at the event, Balogun said the initiative was part of the fulfilment of promises made during her election campaign, adding that it aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic inclusion and grassroots empowerment.

“I want to give back to the people of Ado-Odo Ota who supported us during the elections. Today, we thank Almighty God that I am able to touch many lives by empowering them,” she said.

She explained that transparency and fairness guided the selection process, noting that she personally distributed the empowerment forms across the communities to ensure inclusiveness.

“I went around myself to distribute all the forms to ensure fairness and transparency,” Balogun added.
The vice-chairman urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, assuring them that their progress would be monitored, with additional support to be extended to those who demonstrated commitment and growth.

She also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, for their support, which she said contributed significantly to her success in office.
Balogun further acknowledged the lawmaker representing Ado-Odo Ota Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tunji Akinosi, for his loyalty, service and contributions to the development of the local government area.

Also speaking, Hon. Olusegun Sunmonu, APC apex leader of Alapoti Ward in Ado-Odo, said the empowerment programme marked the fulfilment of campaign promises made to residents, praising the vice-chairman’s achievements within a short period in office.

Sunmonu described Balogun’s leadership as “impactful and people-oriented.”

In his remarks, Alhaji Azeez Ekweme, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun West Senatorial District, lauded Balogun for what he described as a thoughtful and inclusive initiative, saying the gesture reflected responsible leadership at the grassroots.

Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the intervention. Mrs. Felicia Wusu, a food vendor who received a gas cylinder, said the item would help increase her sales and reduce her dependence on firewood and kerosene.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Afeez Osubiyi, who received a mobile phone, commended the vice-chairman for what he described as her “merciful hands” and commitment to improving the welfare of residents.