By Babatunde Kaka
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawmaker representing Epe at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji, on Tuesday, named the Sustainable Grassroots Women Empowerment Program in Epe after the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wale Raji who christened that initiative ‘Asiwaju Progressive Women Co-operative Thrift and Credit Societies’ said the APC Presidential Flagbearer inspired the presentation of an N64m cash grant to the 1,280 women under the Empowerment Program.
The lawmaker disclosed this while delivering his welcome address at the official unveiling of the socio-economic empowerment initiative done by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at Epe Recreation centre.
“We have christened this initiative as Asiwaju Progressive Women Co-operative Thrift and Credit Societies, to honour our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in recognition of his socio-economic and political emancipation of women through provision of several Grassroots Women Economic Empowerment in Lagos State in particular, and Nigeria in general.
“The Asiwaju Progressive Women Co-Operative Thrift & Credit Society initiative is a Grassroots Women Economic Empowerment Program in Epe Federal Constituency and designed to provide the institutional framework for a sustainable and participatory economic arrangement with an in-built-mechanism for impact assessment.
“It was initiated to improve on previous schemes for women in Epe Federal Constituency sponsored by my humble self,” he said.
This online media platform gathered that the 32 Cooperative societies duly registered with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives comprise 40 women each with each of the 32 Cooperative Societies’ bank accounts credited with a take-off grant of N2m.
The 1,280 women members, spread across the entire Epe Federal Constituency, will benefit from this fund through Cooperative thrift and credit modus operandi.
Speaking further, Hon Wale Raji said, “It is important to emphasise that the money is a grant to you and should be managed by the members and supervised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives without interference from my office.
“The implication of this is that the success or otherwise of these cooperatives rests squarely on members. You will be judged in accordance with the level of success of your cooperatives. However, let me assure you that the injection of more funds will depend on how well you manage the fund you received today.”
It was also gathered that the trustees of these 32 cooperative societies have been taken through induction training by officials from the Lagos State Cooperative College to equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and manage a cooperative society.
Hon Wale Raji used the medium to list out the people-oriented projects across the Epe federal constituency he has done including the newly constructed school in Temu Community, the construction of a 20-bed Primary Healthcare Centre in Iraye, Eredo LCDA, the 1st phase of the construction of the Ayetoro Modern Market for displaced traders are the latest.
“We are also hopeful that markets such as Mowowale, in Agbowa, Ajebo, in Orugbo, and Pobo in Poka, and other markets would receive attention in due course.
“To Kabiyesi Elejinrin, your request for a Town Hall is uppermost in our mind. We shall meet your desire very soon. To Mr Ajewole, your request for a block of Classroom and furniture at Lofi College is on our priority list,” he assured.
He added that the construction and upgrade of some strategic roads in different parts of Epe Federal Constituency are on top gear.
These roads include Dauda Buhari street in Epe Local Government, Siwola Road in Odosiwola, Eredo LCDA, LASU Epe Link Roads, the 2nd Phase construction of the Epe-Itoikin road and the ongoing construction of a Recreation Centre in Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.
The lawmaker also seized the medium to praise and appreciate the magnificent socio-economic advancement drive of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which he said has immensely supported the rapid transformation of the entire landmark of the Epe federal constituency.
“Distinguished Guests, please permit me to also acknowledge the support of the administration of Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu on the numerous projects being sited within the Epe Federal constituency, notable among them is the recent groundbreaking for the Lagos State Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, at Ketu Ereyun, which is envisaged to be the first of its kind in Africa and the reconstruction of Eleko-Epe Expressway.
“These projects, though under construction, have changed the face of our Constituency with Housing Estates springing up left, right and centre thus becoming a potential hub for different types of investments. We say a big thank you to Mr Governor,” he said.
Wale Raji urged the good people of Epe Federal Constituency to turn out in their large numbers to vote for the party’s standard bearers in the 2023 general election from the National Leader and Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Senator Mukhail Abiru, himself, Hon Biodun Tobun and Hon. Ogunkelu Oluwadahunsi.
While he appreciated the political, traditional and religious leaders for their support and prayers at all times, particularly, Alhaji Seriki Akanni Bamu, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun and other political leaders in Epe Federal Constituency for their unflinching support.
He also acknowledged the youths of Epe, women and various professional groups, members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, members of the Council of Tradesmen and Artisan, Marwa Riders Association, Okada Riders Association, and other groups for playing key roles in the lives of the people.
“I want to use this opportunity to express my special appreciation to my family members starting from my beautiful and adorable wife and my children for the sacrifice you make on regular basis to ensure that I put in my best in my current assignment. Without you, it would have been difficult to achieve all I have enumerated on my scorecard.
“Let me assure the people of Epe Federal Constituency that we remain committed to our promise of quality representation that you desire and transformation of our constituency from a semi-urban status to a full-blown urbanised constituency,” he said.
See more pictures from the event:
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