In a commendable demonstration of community solidarity, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, the distinguished representative of Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, has stepped forward to provide much-needed financial relief to 500 individuals.
These beneficiaries have been thoughtfully selected from the 23 political wards encompassing Ilorin East and South Local Governments.
Among these recipients are young people, small-scale traders, elderly women, and individuals living with disabilities.
This initiative has been orchestrated in response to the challenges arising from recent removal of fuel subsidy.
Hon. Aluko’s pragmatic response underscores his commitment to his constituents’ well-being, particularly during testing times.
A spokesperson for the 5-man committee, Akeem Jaji, who also serves as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilorin South, hailed Aluko’s rapid action and his genuine concern for his constituents, especially in the face of current challenges.
Jaji elucidated that the move was prompted by the removal of fuel subsidies, and the intention is to ameliorate the impact on the community, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Mr. Jaji stated, “Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, PhD, the representative serving us in the House of Representatives, has taken decisive strides to mitigate the repercussions of subsidy removal by establishing a dedicated committee.
“The committee undertook comprehensive assessments of the constituency’s situation to identify appropriate interventions that could provide support.”
According to Jaji, some key findings from the committee’s evaluation include:
Based on these findings, Mr. Jaji detailed how Hon. Aluko entrusted the committee to select 500 constituents from the 23 political wards in Ilorin East and South Local Governments.
- The discontinuation of fuel subsidies has led to the closure of many micro and small businesses, causing a significant setback to those with capital investments ranging from N5,000 to N10,000.
- Numerous artisans have been compelled to temporarily halt operations, particularly those whose workplaces are distant from their homes due to the financial burden of transportation costs.
- The impact is particularly severe on individuals with physical disabilities.
“We identified the 20 constituents most adversely affected in each political ward, in addition to 40 individuals with physical disabilities. Each beneficiary will receive a grant of five thousand naira.”
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude in conversations with journalists, applauding Hon. Aluko’s initiative and urging others to take inspiration from his example.
One beneficiary, Mrs. Hassan Fatimah from Sango ward, expressed her satisfaction with the initiative and described it as timely. She extended her heartfelt appreciation and prayers to Aluko, encouraging him to persist in his endeavors.
Mr. Suleiman Ayinla, a beneficiary from Ibagun ward, shared his contentment with the initiative and called upon fellow politicians to emulate Aluko’s thoughtful approach.
