Hon. (Prince) Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu, the Federal House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, has finalised plans for the distribution of the latest phase of his ongoing empowerment programme.

The event, which marks the fifth phase in just five months, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Community Grammar School, Alegongo, Ibadan, starting at 10 a.m.

This phase of the programme will see hundreds of beneficiaries, particularly women and youth, empowered with valuable items aimed at improving their livelihoods.

Items slated for distribution include tricycles (popularly known as Keke Marwa), sewing machines, grinding machines, spraying machines, fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides for local farmers.

The initiative, valued at an estimated ₦200 million, is part of the lawmaker’s commitment to supporting his constituents and fostering grassroots development.

Known as “Lafi,” the APC chieftain has consistently demonstrated his dedication to improving the lives of those in his constituency through targeted outreach efforts.

Dignitaries expected to attend the event include community and religious leaders, party officials, and beneficiaries from Akinyele and Lagelu.

Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has launched a N250 million empowerment initiative for the Blacksmith, Welders, Iron Benders, and Metal Technicians Association of Nigeria (BWAIAN).

The initiative aims to enhance the skills, productivity, and business potential of metal artisans across Oyo State.

The event, which took place on Saturday in Ibadan, attracted a large audience, including leaders of BWAIAN, politicians, and members of the public.

Oseni praised the resilience and economic contributions of blacksmiths, welders, and other metal workers, emphasizing their vital role in the state’s economy.

“This is not just a celebration of progress, but a commitment to uplift the industrious metal workers of Oyo State,” Oseni said.

The APC chieftain who serves as the Chairman, House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to Journalists, underscored the empowerment initiative as part of his broader agenda to support artisans. The programme will provide BWAIAN members with tools, machinery, and financial assistance to enhance their trade and improve their livelihoods.

During the event, Oseni reflected on his achievements since taking office. He highlighted key educational initiatives, such as sponsoring over 700 students for JAMB exams and providing free WAEC registration for 400 students in 2024.

The lawmaker also celebrated the success of his “Raising 100 Youth Millionaires Project,” which has created 12 young millionaires since its launch in December 2023.

Speaking further, the lawmaker outlined infrastructure improvements in his constituency, including ongoing road construction projects such as the Elebu Junction-Elebu Market-Orita Merin-Idi Ahun Road and the Nihort-Baptist-All Saints-Agbofieti Road. He assured constituents that more projects would soon commence in Eruwa and Lanlate.

Oseni reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents and the people of Oyo State, stating that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve.

“This empowerment programme is yet another stride in my ongoing efforts to make life better and more meaningful for the ordinary citizens of Oyo State,” he declared.

The N250 million initiative includes the distribution of essential tools, equipment, and financial grants to BWAIAN members, aiming to expand their businesses, boost their incomes, and contribute to the state’s economic development.

BWAIAN’s state leader, Munirudeen Adegoke Rauf, lauded Oseni’s gesture and called on other political leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to follow his example by supporting small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.

He assured that the equipment would be used responsibly for the benefit of the association’s members.

Amid the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of Oyo State, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has called on residents of his constituency to stay vigilant, urging them to strictly adhere to sanitation protocols to help prevent the further spread of the deadly disease.

Reports indicate that over 130 people are suspected to have contracted cholera in Oyo State, with nine confirmed cases. Most of the suspected cases have been traced to six local government areas, including Ibadan North West, Ibadan South West, Ido, Akinyele, and Atiba.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, confirmed the outbreak, noting that six patients admitted to the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo have since been discharged.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, expressed concern over the cholera cases.

He emphasised that cholera, a waterborne disease that thrives in unsanitary conditions, can be curbed with proper preventive measures.

“We must uphold good hygiene standards and ensure our water sources are clean and safe for consumption,” the APC chieftain said. “Cholera is preventable, but it requires the collective effort of every individual in the community.”

Oseni underscored the importance of regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and treating drinking water as essential steps to minimize the risk of infection. He also warned against consuming food from unhygienic sources, stressing that cholera-causing bacteria can easily contaminate both water and food.

The lawmaker further called on local authorities and health workers to intensify public awareness campaigns about the symptoms of cholera, which include severe diarrhea and vomiting—both of which can lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

“By being proactive in our hygiene practices and seeking medical help at the first signs of illness, we can collectively prevent the further spread of cholera,” he stated. “Let us prioritise the health and well-being of our people by taking this threat seriously.”