Saturday , 3rd of January, 2025, the 2026 Mega Empowerment Programme organized by the Member representing Omupo State Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Ganiyu Folabi Salahuddeen, was held at St. Michael LGEA School, Omupo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The programme, which attracted party leaders, community stakeholders and beneficiaries from across the constituency, was aimed at supporting livelihoods and easing economic hardship, particularly in view of the prevailing security situation within the local government.
In his welcome address, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Elder Oyin Zubair drew attention to the security challenges confronting Ifelodun Local Government and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment materials provided.
He cautioned recipients against selling the items, stressing that the gesture was meant to improve their means of livelihood.
He also called for unity among party members as elections draw nearer, urging all stakeholders to work together for the progress of the party and the constituency, before welcoming guests to the programme.
The APC Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Arc. Abubakar Lukman, in his goodwill message, recalled that Hon. Salahuddeen organized a similar empowerment programme at the same venue few years back. He appreciated the lawmaker for his consistency and commitment to the welfare of the people, offering prayers for him.
He appealed for more empowerment initiatives, noting the increasing population of the local government, and expressed hope that Ifelodun people would benefit more regularly in the coming months, just like those in the state capital.
He also prayed that the APC ticket for the Federal House of Representatives in the forthcoming primaries would come to Ifelodun Local Government.
Speaking at the event, Hon. (Barr.) Ganiyu Folabi Salahuddeen explained that the absence of frequent open empowerment programmes over the past few years did not mean he had stopped empowering his people.
He said he strongly believes in the Hadith of the Prophet which discourages publicizing acts of kindness, noting that he has been supporting students of Kwara State University, paying school fees, empowering and setting up business owners and assisting individuals with pressing needs quietly over the years.
According to him, the open empowerment was a symbolic act of his good deeds which is always in continuum and also organized to reach more people at once.
In an emotional ladened voice, He appreciated the elders and leaders present for their time and support, and prayed for peace to return to Ifelodun land.
He acknowledged that although the security situation could have discouraged the programme, empowering the people remained a necessity.
He also offered prayers for the safe and speedy release of those kidnapped within the local government.
While presenting items to beneficiaries, Hon. Labaka noted that everyone was served according to their needs, emphasizing that the empowerment was deliberately tailored to support different livelihoods
. Items distributed included freezers, generators, grinding machines, Welding Machines, agricultural sprayers, hair dryers, as well as cash support for some beneficiaries to assist them in stabilizing their businesses and daily activities.
Some beneficiaries, including Riskat Fatai and Fumilayo Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to Hon. Salahuddeen for the gesture, describing the empowerment as timely and impactful, and prayed for his continued success in service to the people.