By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Member of House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Constituency who also doubles as the chairman House committee on information, National Orientation ethics and values Rt. Hon. Fatoba Olusola steve has rolled out a major grassroots empowerment programme, disbursing ₦100,000 each to over 200 traders, farmers and artisans across Ado–Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in a move aimed at stimulating local economic growth.
The empowerment initiative, held on Friday, cut across all 24 wards in Ado, Irepodun and Ifelodun local government areas, with beneficiaries carefully selected to ensure fair representation and maximum impact.
Speaking at the event, Fatoba described effective representation as one that directly improves the lives of the people, stressing that the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.
“This programme is about business empowerment and economic growth. The funds are not for consumption but for productive investment. When your businesses grow, the entire community benefits,” the lawmaker said.
He urged beneficiaries to channel the grants into expanding their enterprises—whether in trading, agriculture or craftsmanship—so as to generate sustainable income and employment at the grassroots.
The programme attracted a large turnout of APC leaders, local government officials, youth and women leaders, as well as other key stakeholders from the constituency.
Fatoba used the occasion to appreciate his constituents for their continued support for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, reaffirming his commitment to people-centred development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ado Local Government and APC leaders from Irepodun/Ifelodun commended the lawmaker for his consistency in delivering dividends of democracy.
They recalled his past interventions in the education sector, including laptop distribution programmes that benefited students across the constituency.
Beneficiaries, in separate interviews with journalists, expressed gratitude to Fatoba, describing the empowerment as timely and impactful. Many said the funds would help expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Party leaders at the event also reaffirmed their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing him as a grassroots-focused leader with a proven record of performance.
The programme climaxed with documentation by ward delegates to ensure
transparency in the distribution process, after which beneficiaries received their grants according to their respective wards.
