Ede South Flags Off Empowerment for 1,000 Beneficiaries, Seeks Release of Council Allocations
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Executive Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Lukman Afolabi, popularly known as Abeere Soose, on Tuesday flagged off an empowerment programme for 1,000 beneficiaries aimed at supporting small businesses, artisans, women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the council area.
Speaking at the event, Afolabi said the initiative was another demonstration of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people despite the challenges facing local government administration in the state.
“Despite the intimidation by our opponents to stop us from performing our responsibilities to our people, we are here today to put smiles on the faces of our people in Ede South Local Government. This has only been possible because of the love our governor has for the masses,” he said.
He explained that the empowerment programme was designed to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, support vulnerable residents and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth at the grassroots.
Afolabi also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the release of local government allocations to the duly elected council chairmen in Osun State.
He said, “The local government funds are meant for the payment of traditional rulers, primary school teachers, primary healthcare workers and local government pensioners. We appeal to Mr. President to restore these allocations for the benefit of the people.”
The chairman maintained that the legal issues surrounding the February 22, 2025 local government election had been resolved, adding that the release of the allocations would enable the councils to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Addressing beneficiaries, Afolabi urged them to make proper use of the financial grants and empowerment materials.
“The true value of this empowerment is not in the cash or equipment but in how you use them. You are being empowered to create opportunities for yourselves, support your families and contribute to the economic growth of our state,” he said.
He also called on residents to embrace peace ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
“Election is won through votes, not violence. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration is known for peace, and I urge everyone to maintain peace before, during and after the election,” he added.
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Adebayo Ogungbangbe, said the empowerment programme became necessary because of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
He noted that similar empowerment programmes were being carried out simultaneously in all the 30 local government areas and the Area Office in Osun State with the approval of Governor Adeleke.
“This programme is aimed at supporting citizens in their various businesses. Government understands the current economic challenges, and that is why this empowerment is being extended across the state,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents not to entertain fear during the forthcoming governorship election, insisting that elections should be decided through the ballot.
“You can only win an election through the ballot, not through violence. The people should come out peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to vote,” he said.
Beneficiaries who spoke with journalists commended the state government and Ede South Local Government for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Olawusi Rebecca, a corn seller, said the programme had brought relief to many traders who previously depended on microfinance loans to sustain their businesses.
She said, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has always shown that he cares for ordinary people. Hon. Lukman Afolabi has also followed the governor’s example by supporting women and helping many of us reduce our dependence on loans.”
She appealed to residents to support the governor in the forthcoming election.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Jamiu Rasheed, an artisan from Ede South, said the empowerment would help beneficiaries improve their businesses.
“Although the support may seem small, it will go a long way in boosting our businesses. We appreciate the government for remembering artisans,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council for People Living With Disabilities, Comrade Adeyemi Alapa, described the programme as evidence of the Adeleke administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
He said people living with disabilities had continued to benefit from government programmes and appointments, adding that the empowerment initiative had given hope to many vulnerable residents across the grassroots.
“We are happy that people living with disabilities have not been left out. This administration has continued to recognise us, and today’s empowerment has further demonstrated that commitment,” he said.
He urged members of the disability community to participate peacefully in the August 15 governorship election and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that every valid vote counts.