The lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, flagged off the distribution of the federal government palliative to beneficiaries across 265 communities and local-based associations in Oluyole Federal Constituency on Friday.
The event, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was held at the Lead City University Stadium, Ibadan.
Speaking during the distribution, Akande-Sadipe, who chairs the 10th Assembly Committee on Ethics and Privileges, said her objectives are in tandem with those of the Federal Government on food security, and the programme would have been held if it weren’t delayed by bureaucracy and inflation.
She emphasised that she is concerned with the hardships being faced by her constituents and very happy with the collaboration with the federal government to bring succour to the people.
According to her, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is currently implementing strategies that will eventually alleviate the current socioeconomic hardship and make life better for all, and it is advisable that Nigerians go back to agriculture because it has become imperative in a country where all must hedge through multiple streams of income.
“In Oyo State alone, we have over 28,000 square kilometres of agrarian, highly fertile land with agriculturally supportive weather. You can take a flower pot and plant tomatoes in it. You can begin to plant your own food.
“We can turn our hobby into a business. If everybody is doing a little farming on their own, in their back garden, or on their balcony, it will promote their socio-economic growth.
“We have been supplied with these food items to deliver to our constituents. This constituency is grateful to the President, the Federal Government, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for their contributions in ensuring the release of the rice to Oluyole.
“Considering the economic hardship in the country at the moment, this is a welcome poverty alleviation initiative. As the representative for this constituency, I am directly involved in the distribution process because I want to ensure it drills down to the real needy ones,” she said.
“Today I presented bags of rice under His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s palliative initiative scheme to the most needy citizens of Oluyole Federal Constituency, supported by their respective traditional leadership structures, religious organisations, community development associations, trade associations, and neighbourhood volunteer groups. This has come at a timely period when both Muslims and Christians are fasting,” she added.
“With our huge population in Oluyole of over 202,725 (2006 census), this initiative cannot reach everyone at once. But I will continue to make the effort to support the needs of my people,” she said, emphasising that agriculture remains the key to improving individual lives.
Speaking to the various members of the Traditional Leadership Structure, Religious Leaders, Community Development Association, Trade Associations, and Neighbourhood Volunteer Groups of Oluyole, Akande-Sadipe said, “On behalf of the President, I place this in your hands, and I pray this is drilled down to all and sundry of the targeted beneficiaries. It must reach all corners of our constituency regardless of party affiliation.”
Also speaking, a representative of the co-ordinator, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Oyo State office, Mrs Abdulazeez Bilkis, said the distribution will go a long way in assisting the poor in the community and cushioning the effect of the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
Earlier, at the event, the Senatorial Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Oyo Central District, Hon. Oyebanji Joshua, and the former Oluyole Federal Constituency Representative, Hon. Abiodun Wahab (2015–2019), both appreciated the lawmaker for her usual doggedness in ensuring that the dividends of democracy get to her constituents.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo, Moses Alake Adeyemo, also graced the event to encourage Hon. Akande-Sadipe, the only female member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State.
One of the beneficiaries, a retired civil servant and resident of Oluyole, Mr Adewale Raji, said, “I am happy to have benefited from this laudable initiative. We thank the federal government and our lawmakers. It was unexpected. I was at home when they told me about the distribution. I appreciate it. I pray this will not be the last.”
Another beneficiary, 65-year-old Alhaji Adeoye Asiwaju, who lives in Ward 9, stated, “I am happy this is happening in my lifetime. We appreciate the lawmaker for doing this. We all know how the country is presently. So, this is a good initiative.”
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