ON Tuesday, February 13, 2018, the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial district at the National Assembly, AbdulaFatai Buhari, held a second empowerment programme since he was sworn in as member of the eight senate. The event which held at the new NYSC orientation Camp, Iseyin, became a complement of the initial one held on June 2, 2016 at OYSADEP playing ground Saki.
About 3,000 people got different items from both editions and the programme was the talk of the town even in the political circle. Cash awards, scholarships, job placements and several other emoluments were given to empower people across the 13 senatorial districts.
This programme was attended by political bigwigs from the nooks and crannies of the state, led by the party leader and the governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The event became a testament of the politician’s attribute; his humility, focus and determination to give back to his constituents.
In his address, Senator Buhari said the 2018 empowerment is another promise kept. He used the occasion to give a report of stewardship to his constituents.
Outlining his roles both at the floor of the red chamber and politically, Senator Buhari reiterated his love for the district adding that he is “always proud of the uniqueness of this senatorial district and the great people I represent which spreads across 13 Local Government areas in Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso zones. Without any doubt, Oyo North senatorial is one of the biggest senatorial district in the country and it is even bigger than states like Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Yobe.”
With this at the back of his mind, Buhari reeled out the goodies already on display to his constituents who couldn’t hide their astonishment at the number and choice of items on display on the field. From motorcycles, grinding machines, cars, sewing machines, deep freezers to power generating sets, the list seemed endless with various sectors of the communities such as traditional rulers, religious associations, factored into consideration.
Items given out includes nine buses, 18 saloon cars, 13 transformers, 250 motorcycles, 450 grinding machines, 180 sewing machines, 25 deep freezers, 21 power generators, N25,000 bursary each for 200 students of tertiary institutions, cash empowerment of N25,000 for 50 widows and donation of 1,500 English Literature textbooks for Junior Secondary schools as well as job opportunities for 13 people from the senatorial district.
In his advice to the beneficiaries, he told them to make judicious use of the items. Senator Buhari shared the story of one of the beneficiaries of his empowerment programmes 11 years ago while serving at the House of Representatives who still maintains the vehicles donated to him then.
immediately the man was mentioned and identified as Suleiman Yussuf from Ogbomoso, the audience gave thunderous applause in appreciation of the man. According to Senator Buhari, “When I was in the House of Representatives (2003-2007), I distributed 47 cars to party members and followers across Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency and I am very proud today to tell you that a man that was given a car (Pa Suleiman Yussuf) uses the car for transport business and to my surprise, the man still uses the car up till today, his own is the only car that is still functional. This man is very loyal, consistent and contented. By the grace of Almighty Allah, we shall give the man another car today because we are very happy with him on how he maintained the car for 11 years.”
Buhari’s effort at organising the empowerment was earlier commended by the state party chairman and the senatorial chairman, Chief Akin Oke and Pa Goke Oyetunji.
The icing on the cake of Senator Buhari’s distinctive performance was sealed by Senator Abiola Ajimobi who confessed that since he joined politics, no senator from the state has equalled Buhari’s achievement.
The governor, himself, having served in the red chamber noted that of all senators that has served in the state, Senator Buhari remains the best of all them.
“I don’t think there is a politician that I know in this state that is as humble as Senator Buhari. I really want to commend the people of Oyo North senatorial district for this choice. His humility reflects in the representation being offered this constituency and that is exactly what is happening here today.
“With several of the gift items I am seeing here, having done same during his first empowerment programme, Senator Buhari is the best senator in Oyo state. Even during my time as senator, I didn’t do much as this. Though, I am not disappointed by his performance because he served under my administration during our first time. Seeing him,you will know he is knowledgeable and have so much to offer.”
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