The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has commenced empowerment programme for the aged, widows
and youths in the State, with that of Igede-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government being anchored by Ambassador Gbenga Olofin.
Already, seven houses, accommodating some of the aged women have been renovated with new bedding, cooking, furniture and electronic materials provided, while payment of monthly stipend to the aged women would commence next month.
“Over 30 aged women, including 120 year old Jolayemi John have benefited from the scheme, with the prospect of the number increasing to 100 in the next three months.
“We have also awarded scholarships to more than 50 students and have provided funds for petty traders,” Olofin said during the presentation of beds and cooking materials to the aged women in Igede-Ekiti on Friday.
He promised to fix all leaking roofs of houses belonging to PDP members in the town to prevent rainfall from disturbing them, urging those whose houses are leaking to register at their various wards.
Speaking further, Olofin, who promised to extend the gesture to other towns in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government said; “We are concerned with the economic liberation of our people. We don’t want people to used pittance to get our peoples votes any longer and this can only happen if the people are empowered economically.
“What we are doing is not only for the aged. We are also focusing on indigent students, petty traders and farmers, and I’m sure that in the next few years, we would be able to beat our chests and say that we have taken more than 10,000 people out of the gully of poverty.”
Also speaking at the event, a leader of the party in Igede-Ekiti, Evangelist Gbenga Adekunle said the PDP put the programme together to liberate the people from the bondage of poverty.
“We are using this as a template for political and economic rescue of Ekiti State and its people from the hands of the locusts that are currently ravaging the land,” Adekunle said.
Speaking on behalf of the aged women, Mrs. Eunice Sule described the gesture as “heavenly” saying; “All we can say is to pray for the people behind this programme and God will also meet them at the point of their needs.”