By Umar Bayo Abdulwahab
Ilorin
The All Progressive Congress (APC) councillor representing Ifaja Ward 3 in Omu-Aran, Kwara state, Hon. Wasiu Awoniyi, has initiated and empowerment programme to assist the elderly in his community.
Over N150, 000 cash was shared amongst 15 beneficiaries, especially the elderly, to assist them to become self-reliant.
Speaking at the distribution of the cash to beneficiaries, Awoniyi urged the nation’s youth to remain steadfast in assisting government toward the development of their communities.
He said: “A tree, they say cannot make a forest; I want to say that behind every successful government there should be a team of dedicated, selfless and committed youths for effective mobilisation.
“In as much as government had continued to regard the youths as effective collaborators in its quest toward the development of the communities, the youths are also enjoined to play their roles actively.
“This, I think is the antidote so that it could assist in the even distribution of amenities and also help sustain the country’s nascent democracy.”
He said he had purchased and off-loaded some loads of gravel and sand at designated points across the ward to rehabilitate some culverts and drains through direct labour effort.
Awoniyi said efforts were also being made to provide some students in various schools within the ward with school uniforms, bags and exercise books to aid effective learning.
“The whole essence is to show our appreciation to the people for their support and assist them realise their aims and objective in life.”
The ward chairman, Chief Samuel Abolarin, expressed the party’s appreciation of the empowerment programme, urging other lawmakers to emulate the gesture.
“This statement shows that President Jonathan does not understand the demands of his office, and that in good/bad times, he is to be seen and heard as the lead celebrant/lead consoler for his compatriots. His statement is the most pedestrian justification of a presidential faux pas ever.”