By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The member representing Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Adesola Samuel Adedayo, has distributed empowerment items, including tricycles, sewing machines and freezers, to residents and party members in a move to boost livelihoods and reduce poverty in the area.
The items were presented in Apapa during a formal empowerment programme held on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, where beneficiaries drawn from the 10 wards and various units in the constituency received tools aimed at strengthening economic activities and enhancing socio-economic development across the metropolis.
Adedayo said the selection process was extensive and inclusive, cutting across all wards while ensuring gender sensitivity, particularly for women and artisans.
“I did an extensive selection process cut across the 10 wards in Apapa, as well as for the units, with particular consideration for gender sensitivity,” he said.
He added that the initiative was deliberately designed to provide practical support that would enable beneficiaries to establish or expand their businesses.
“My target is to assist my constituents to alleviate the poverty in their midst by empowering them with equipment that they can use to trade or to do business, such as tricycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, sewing machines and the like,” he said.
Furthermore, the lawmaker emphasised that the intervention would significantly benefit artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs, especially women, by improving their earning capacity.
“At least, this can go a long way to assist our artisans, particularly the women, to reduce poverty and suffering in the land,” he added.
Items distributed at the event included eight tricycles, 18 freezers, 18 grinding machines and 36 sewing machines, which were handed over to beneficiaries comprising APC leaders, members and other residents of the constituency.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Anifowose Johnson, expressed appreciation, saying, “Thanks to Mr and Honourable Jim Sam for giving us this opportunity. I will make good use of it.”
Similarly, A male beneficiary who received a tricycle said the support would create new economic opportunities for him.
“I was empowered with a Keke Maruwa. I’m going to try to do another side business with it. Maybe I’m going to join transportation. Thank you,” he said.
