LAGOS LAWMAKER, NURUDEEN SHOLAJA-SAKA EMPOWERS CONSTITUENTS WITH MULTIMILLION NAIRA ITEMS IN IKORODU CONSTITUENCY II. | Shakiru Seidu. ...Endorses for second term in 2019.

A Lagos State lawmaker, Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka, on Friday, 27th of April, 2018, empowered hundreds of Artisans, Traders in Ikorodu Constituency II, with tools worth millions of naira.

Hon. Sholaja-Saka, the Acting Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Science and Technology, organised the Empowerment on the platform of Bibire Mega Empowerment Programme. He gave out Sewing Machines, Grinding Machines, Dryers, and Fishing Nets to some residents. Other items given were barbing tools and power generating Plants, Vulcanising Machines, farming tools, crates of soft drinks as well as Coolers and food items.

Hon. Sholaja-Saka said at the event that, he was delighted at the support of his constituents and would do his best to ensure their welfare. In his remarks, he said: “I am happy to support my constituents who reposed confidence in me to represent them, and I would do my best to ensure that their welfare is protected. We are giving out these materials, not because they are poor, but because we all have needs, and the degree of our needs vary. Our people must be empowered for them to be resourceful, and by so doing, our society will be a good place to live in.

"I have been empowering youth for computer training and distribution of free GCE and UTME forms to indigent students to help them in their education. Artisans must be empowered too, and we are also empowering those who have not acquired any skill so that they can start petty trading." He explained. The lawmaker further said his determination to assist all categories of people informed the donation of create of soft drinks to many unskilled persons to start up businesses.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Afolarin Lateef, who got a generating set and clippers, commended the lawmaker for the gesture, saying it would help his work as a trained barber. Also, Mr Adesanya Tejumola, who received a vulcanising machine, said : “Since I finished training, I have not been able to stand on my own because of lack of fund to buy the equipment. “I am very grateful to God and the lawmaker. I am happy today.” Miss Adijat Odusanya, a fashion designer, said that the sewing machine would take her work to higher ground. According to her, the gesture will help her to do more jobs and train more people.

Hon Babajimi Benson, MHR, while speaking with Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression Magazine at the event  said, the primary duty of lawmakers was to provide good representation for constituents and alleviate their suffering. Benson, who noted that the government alone could not provide employment for all, urged the government to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He further sued for smooth collaboration between National Assembly and the Executive.

"Representing the people means representing their yearnings and ameliorating their sufferings by and bringing them succour. This is not poverty alleviation but appreciating the people”. Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola remarked while addressing the Press.

Asipa Kaoli Olusanya and the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, revealed to MegaXpression that the initiative was in response to the plights of the people and urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment not to sell the items. "It was a gateway to financial freedom”, Hon. SOB Agunbiade said.

Before the second term endorsement motion of Hon. Sholaja-Saka which was moved by Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun and supported by all, HRM Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom said, Sholaja has passed and has performed fantastically and cautioned politicians against the politics of bitterness.

Among the dignitaries at the event include His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Mudashir Ajibade Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Abdul-Akeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Royal Kingdom, Oba Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya and Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Regent of Ijede.

Others were Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR, Hon. SOB Agunbiade, ML, Hon Segun Olulade, representing Epe Constituency II, Hon. Saheed Hassan, Alhaji M.K. Sanni, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Prince Wasiu Agoro, Chairman of Imota LCDA, Comr. Olusesan Daini, Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Alhaji Fatiu Salisu, Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Chief Bolanle Basorun, Chief Onafowokan Rtd, Alhaji Ogunmuyiwa, CDC, Muslim and Christian leaders, traditional Chiefs and Baales.

*SHAKIRU SEIDU*
Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine