The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi (Chenco), has empowered no fewer than 200 residents through an economic support programme aimed at improving livelihoods.
The event, which was held on Monday at the council secretariat in Igede-Ekiti, was tagged “Thank You to the Good People of Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA.” It served both as a gesture of appreciation and an opportunity to promote economic self-reliance among the people.
Items distributed to beneficiaries drawn from all four wards in the council included deep freezers, generators, sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdryers, barbing kits, makeup kits, spraying machines, electric fans, cocoa seeds, security materials, food packs, and cash grants starting from N10,000 for select participants.
In a special gesture, the wife of the council boss, Mrs. Hellen Oluwatuyi, also celebrated five mothers of multiple births from different wards, each going home with N10,000 and food support.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Oluwatuyi said the empowerment initiative was a deliberate move to uplift the people and complement the developmental vision of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and the social support efforts of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
“This is more than just giving out items. It’s about building people and encouraging self-dependence,” Oluwatuyi stated.
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Olabode Folorunso hailed the initiative and described it as a model of what effective leadership at the grassroots should look like.
Hon. Olabode urged other council chairmen to take a cue from Oluwatuyi’s efforts.
Also speaking, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi (Aladesueu II), praised the programme and appreciated Governor Oyebanji’s support for local government development.
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Felicia Omole, Mr. Joseph Ogunyemi, and Mrs. Aderemi Afolabi, thanked the council chairman, saying the intervention had given them renewed hope and a chance to improve their sources of income.
Among the dignitaries at the occasion were the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Olabode Folorunso; Chairman of Ado LG, Chief Bosun Osaloni; Chairman of Eso Obe LCDA, Ayeni Bankole; and several other council bosses across Ekiti State.
Traditional rulers, party leaders, and community stakeholders also graced the event.