A Lagos State lawmaker, Mr Segun Olulade, on Monday empowered 1,000 artisans, traders and physically-challenged persons in Epe, with tools worth millions of naira.
Olulade, the Acting Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, carried out the empowerment on the platform Eleniyan Mega Empowerment Programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker, who represents Epe Constituency II, donated shovels, hand trowel, sewing machines, dryers and fishing nets.
Other items donated by the legislator include aluminum cutting machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, refrigerators, ovens, burners, wheelchairs, crutches, carpentry tools and money.
Olulade said at the event that he was delighted at the support of his constituents and would do his best to ensure their welfare.
“Poverty is a global menace which seeks shelter through only one channel – poor leadership.
“We are giving out these, not because you are poor, but because we all have needs, and the degree of our needs vary.
“We strive to give based on the needs of the people.
“As a lawmaker, who holds no executive position, I can’t but go out of my way to ensure some levels of provisions for my people from my personal savings for this charitable cause.
“We do hope that our widow’s mite will touch some corners and bring relief for families and their dependants,” he said.
The Wife of the state Governor, Mrs Bolande Ambode, who presented the items to the beneficiaries, urged them to utilise the materials well and shun the tendency to sell them.
In his remarks, Mr Adeniyi Saliu, the Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, noted that the donation was in response to the plight of the people.
Saliu advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the gesture to be self-reliant.
Alhaji Akanni Seriki, APC Leader, Lagos East Senatorial District, said: “Eleniyan has has performed well.”
He also expressed satisfaction at the efforts of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to improve the welfare of the state residents.
Mr Abiodun Tobun, who represents Epe Constituency I in the Assembly, told NAN that representatives should do their best to alleviate their people’s suffering.
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Sanai Agunbiade said: “Representing the people means ameliorating their sufferings by bringing succour.’’
Some of the beneficiaries hailed Olulade for the donation.
Mrs Sola Alao, a physically challenged beneficiary of a wheelchair, told NAN that she had been indoors due to lack of wheelchair.
Mr Ibrahim Mushafau, who got a vulcanising machine, said it would help him to be financially independent.
Mr Wasiu Amuda, a beneficiary of fishing nets, told NAN that he would show more interest in fishing.
A food vendor, Mrs Olasimbo Adekoya, who got a deep freezer, said that the equipment would boost her business..
NAN reports that the event also witnessed unveiling of Eleniyan Football Club and public presentation of the fourth edition of the Eleniyan Cares Magazine. (NAN)
