Again,300 constituents benefit from Owolabi cash empowerment in Kwara

No fewer than three hundred constituents from all the wards in Share/Oke-ode constituency have benefited from a cash empowerment program facilitated by the two-term Honourable representing Share/Oke-ode federal constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq.

The event, which also featured the third Owoo annual Carnival, was held at Babanloma in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Friday June 21, 2024.

Owolabi had religiously and annually facilitated similar empowerment programs in the past with beneficiaries receiving car and cash gifts.

With the disbursed cash packed in envelopes with amount ranging from N20,000 to N25,000, Hon. Rasaq reinforced his commitment to serving his constituents and fostering economic growth in the region.

The cash disbursement is expected to provide much-needed support to local businesses and households, and is a testament to the power of political leadership in making a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.

As part of the program, recipients were selected based on criteria that prioritized neediness and the potential for growth.

In his remarks during the event, Owolabi expressed his deep empathy for the struggles of his constituents and his hope that the financial assistance would provide a foundation for prosperity.

“This is just a small step in our larger vision for a thriving, prosperous community, but it’s a step in the right direction”.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Our commitment to your well-being runs deep, and we will continue to explore new ways to empower you and provide the resources you need to succeed”, he added.

“We are currently working on a mega empowerment program that will create even more opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

He emphasized that, “Any politician who keeps public funds for his personal use as against the primary responsibility of every government official to look after his people will have a disastrous end”.

Appreciating the Kwara State governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Hon. Owolabi said the governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a livable society for the people of the state can not be underrated.

He further emphasized that the governor has always demonstrated undying love, empathy, sense of responsibility and good leadership piloting the affairs of the state.

Present at the occasion were Alhaja Tahibat Ayinde, Former commissioner for Wowen Affairs in Kwara State, former Special Assistant on Women Empowerment to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Alhaja Bolane Ismail (Iya Lamule), Alhaji Lateef Kadri Oko-Ode, Former Ifelodun Local Government APC Party Chairman, Alhaji Muftau Akanbi Oke, Representative of Hon. Tolani Mhuktar Shagaya, and other Ifelodun Elders.

In his message, the Honourable said, “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries who graced this occasion with their presence”.

“Your support and encouragement mean a great deal to me, and I am truly honored by your presence. I know that your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to the growth and prosperity of our communities, and I pledge to work alongside you in our efforts to bring about positive change.”

Owolabi’s Early Life And Political Career

Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq was born in 1977 to the family of Alhaji Kadir Alabi Ibikunle Owolabi of Oshoja’s Compound, Babanloma in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He completed his primary education at Muslim Primary School, Share between 1983-1989 and had his Secondary education at Oro Muslim High School, Oro between 1989-1995. He thereafter proceeded to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he obtained Ordinary National Diploma in Town Planning in 1998.

His unending quest to serve humanity landed him in politics. His political experience began when he served as the chairman of the Foresight Millenium Club for the electioneering campaign that brought the former Senate President Bukola Saraki into Government in 2003.

Between 2003-2007, he served as the Personal Assistance to the Hon. Speaker, Ilorin West Local Government Council. Between 2007-2010, he was elected as the Councilor for Share III (Adako Ward in Babanloma), Ifelodun Local
Government Legislative Council where he served as the Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sport.

For his excellent performance, he was re-elected to serve his Constituency in the same capacity for another three years where he was appointed as the Chief Whip of Ifelodun Legislative Council.

In 2019, Hon. Owolabi contested and emerged winner in the 2019 General Elections as Member of Kwara State House of Assembly to represent Share/Oke-ode constituency and shortly afer he resumed office, he was made the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment. He was also a member of House Committee on Land, Housing and Urban Development and House Service Committee, respectively.

His sterling qualities and unparalleled record of achievements endeared him to his people who honoured him with another opportunity to serve them for another four years in the 10th Assembly.

Being a politician par excellence, he was re-appointed as the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment while he was also member of the House Committee on Water Resources and House Committee on Youth, Sports and Information.

He was also conferred with the titles of Oluomo of Oke-Ode Land, Otun Mayegun of Idera land, the Fiwajoye of Labaka land and the Jagunmolu of Babanoma Land.

Owoo is a grassroot politician and is known for his populist political ideology. He is recognized as empowering the poor and advocating for improved and equal opportunities for the youth, earning him the nickname “Oba New Generation”.

Reactions

However, speaking with the Informant247’s Toheeb Omotayo, Engineer Ayo Gani expressed overwhelming excitement at the development, describing it as a “very good and welcome development and a great achievement for Ifelodun Community.

According to him, “this empowerment is a very good development and a great achievement for this community. It shows that they have a leader who has the people in mind, because some our of leaders nowadays don’t care about anybody after getting to the higher positions.”

He solicited for continued support for Honored Owolabi whom he described as a blessing to his constituency.

He said, “this kind of leader is one that you people have to gather together to support him in his course, because if he gets to a higher position than this, this community and the whole area will enjoy more than this”.

Delivering sermon, Ustaz Hassan and Hussein Agbarere showered encomium on the Honourable, saying his kind of politician who prioritizes the well being of his people over his personal safety is rare and laudable.

Elder Daramola, in his goodwill message on behalf of all the Ifelodun Elders, stated that the Honourable has enabled up to five empowerments to date, with the recipients receiving cash and automobile prizes.

He advised Hon. Owolabi to ignore the criticism around him and carry on with his good deeds.

Also speaking, the CEO Dickalo Nigeria Limited, Architect Bunmi Dickalo commended Hon Owolabi for being a populist and people-loving politician who prioritizes the well being of the people over his personal interests.

He said, “what is happening now is not surprising to me, because he has done it more than four, five times in this community. He did one in Share and I was there. Everything he has been doing is wonderful. How many Honourable can achieve what Hon. Owolabi has achieved under two years? It is awesome!”

“He is a different honourable. He is not the kind that doesn’t want his community to develop. He is an outstanding Honourable”.

Bunmi thereafter enjoined Hon. Owolabi to continue doing the right thing, praying that God will continue to uphold and help him.

He also prayed the people of Ifelodun LGA not to fall for distractions by completely ignoring side talks and keep looking at the Honourable’s positive side so that he can go far to keep helping them.

Adding to the already festive atmosphere of the event, the “Castle Jump” game, a rare attraction at parties and events, added a touch of excitement and joy to the proceedings and the crowd was treated to a live performance by Fuji icon, Taye Currency, who entertained the audience with his signature blend of percussion and vocals.