The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, has disbursed over ₦20 million in empowerment support to artisans’ associations, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executives and grassroots stakeholders in Ibarapa East State Constituency, alongside the donation of two brand-new Bajaj motorcycles to the Park Management System (PMS).
The empowerment programme, held on Sunday at Eruwa Town Hall, was attended by leaders and stakeholders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
The intervention covers 50 artisans’ associations and former party executives at the local government and ward levels. It is aimed at supporting economic activities, fulfilling previous commitments and appreciating the contributions of grassroots stakeholders to political mobilisation in the constituency.
Speaking at the event, Ogundoyin said the financial assistance to the artisans was in fulfilment of promises he had earlier made to their respective associations.
He added that the gesture was also intended to recognise former PDP executives who contributed to grassroots mobilisation and campaigns during the 2023 general elections.
Under the arrangement, 50 artisans’ associations received ₦200,000 each, amounting to ₦10 million, to support their members and strengthen their respective businesses.
The Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle Repair, Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) received ₦2 million, while the Park Management System was presented with two brand-new Bajaj motorcycles to enhance its operations in Ibarapa East.
The former political executives also benefited from the intervention, with the immediate past local government executive committee members receiving a collective sum of ₦2 million. In addition, 50 former principal ward executives representing the ten wards in the constituency received ₦100,000 each, amounting to ₦5 million.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Speaker acknowledged the diverse political affiliations represented among the artisans’ associations, stressing that the empowerment programme was not intended to influence their political choices or solicit electoral support.
He maintained that the intervention was driven by his commitment to keeping promises and supporting the economic activities of the associations.
Ogundoyin urged the beneficiaries to exercise their democratic rights independently and make informed electoral decisions based on the performance, credibility and track records of candidates.
“Your preferred candidate is who you should vote for; do not allow anybody to interfere with your decision. My advice is that you should vote for the best candidate based on his or her track record of achievements,” he said.
The Speaker, however, expressed confidence in the candidates of the APM, noting that the party had presented candidates for elective positions across the various levels of government, from the presidential to legislative positions.
He also welcomed the emergence of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi as the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, describing it as a significant development for the party.
The benefiting associations cut across several trades and professional groups, including carpenters, bricklayers, hairdressers, tailors, motor spare parts dealers, nylon makers, vulcanisers, barbers, photographers and videographers, welders, sawmillers, food sellers and building materials dealers.
Others include shoemakers, the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), cloth sellers, pepper sellers, fruit sellers, beer and paraga sellers, drummers, cassava sellers, cocoa and cashew sellers, and butchers’ associations.
