Oyo Rep, Akande-Sadipe Distributes FG Palliative to Constituents

…Advises Constituents to Look into Farming

The House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Honourable Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, flagged off the distribution of the federal government palliative to beneficiaries across 265 communities and associations in Oluyole Federal Constituency on Friday.

The event, organised by the lawmaker in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was held at the Lead City University Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State. 

The lawmaker explained that bureaucracy and inflation delayed the arrival of the palliatives. 

Speaking with journalists at the event, Akande-Sadipe said her objectives are in tandem with those of the Federal Government on food security, adding that she is concerned with the hardships being faced by her constituents.

She further explained that she is very happy with the collaboration with the federal government to bring succour to the people. 

She added that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is currently implementing strategies that will eventually alleviate the current socioeconomic hardship and make life better for all.

She further advised Nigerians to go back to agriculture, saying this has become imperative because a country must hedge through multiple streams of income.

“In Oyo State alone, we have over 28,000 square kilometres of agrarian, highly fertile land with agriculturally supportive weather,”  she said. 

The lawmaker, who chairs the 10th Assembly Committee on Ethics and Privileges, said she believes that agriculture remains the key to improving individual lives.

“You can take a flower pot and plant tomatoes. You can begin to plant your own food. We can turn our hobby into a business. If everybody is doing a little farming on their own, in their back garden or on their balcony, it will promote their socio-economic growth,” she said.

“We have been supplied with these food items to deliver to our constituents. This constituency is grateful to the President, the Federal Government, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for their contributions in ensuring the release of the rice to Oluyole.”

“Considering the economic hardship in the country at the moment, this is a welcome poverty alleviation initiative. As the representative for this constituency, I am directly involved in the distribution process because I want to ensure it drills down to the real needy,” she said.

“Today I presented bags of rice under His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s palliative initiative scheme to the most needy citizens of Oluyole Federal Constituency, supported by their respective traditional leadership structures, religious organisations, community development associations, trade associations, and neighbourhood volunteer roups. This has come at a timely period when both Muslims and Christians are fasting,” she added.
 
“With our huge population in Oluyole of over 202,725 (2006 census), this initiative cannot reach everyone at once. But I will continue to make the effort to support the needs of my people.

Speaking to the various members of the Traditional Leadership Structure, Religious Leaders, Community Development Association, Trade Associations, and Neighbourhood Volunteer Groups of Oluyole, Akande-Sadipe said, “On behalf of the President, I place this in your hands, and I pray this is drilled down to all and sundry of the targeted beneficiaries. It must reach all corners of our constituency, regardless of party affiliation.”.

A mammoth crowd of residents, the majority of whom are aged men and women, gathered as bags of rice and cash were distributed at the venue.

Speaking, a representative of the co-ordinator, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Oyo State office, Mrs. Abdulazeez Bilkis, said the distribution will go a long way in assisting the poor in the community. 

She said it will cushion the effect of the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.

A retired civil servant and resident of Oluyole, Mr. Adewale Raji, said, “I am happy to have benefited from this laudable initiative. We thank the federal government and our lawmakers. It was unexpected. I was at home when they told me about the distribution. I appreciate it. I pray this will not be the last.”

Also, 65-year-old Alhaji Adeoye Asiwaju, who lives in Ward 9, stated, “I am happy this is happening in my lifetime. We appreciate the lawmaker for doing this. We all know how the country is presently. So, this is a good initiative.”

Earlier, at the event, the Senatorial Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Oyo Central District, Hon. Oyebanji Joshua, and the former Oluyole Federal Constituency Representative, Hon. Abiodun Wahab (2015–2019), both appreciated the lawmaker for her usual doggedness in ensuring that the dividends of democracy get to her constituents.

The former Deputy Governor of the State during the 2nd tenure of the late Governor Ajimobi, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, also graced the event to encourage Hon. Akande-Sadipe, the only female member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State.