Kunle ADELABU
Member of the House of Representatives representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has revealed his intention to sponsor ‘Start Up’ Bill if he is re-elected for the second term in the forthcoming General Elections.
He made this revelation when he appeared on the Ikorodu Ambassadors Group WhatsApp platform on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
“I still believe I have a lot more to offer. I want to ensure that I am part of the train that will restore the division to prosperity. I really want to push my “Start Up” Bill”, Hon. Benson stated when he was asked why he was seeking second term.
“What the bill propagates is a system that allows young people explore their talents without really losing their current paid employments.
“By talent, I mean the Bill gives an employee youth a period of 5 years to try out new opportunities. During this period, there would be tax holiday and protection from government amongst other incentives”, he said.
Hon. Benson stated that he wants to focus more on the devolution of powers, special status project for Lagos, state police and domiciling more power generated from Egbin in Ikorodu.
“I also have a lot more to do apart from the things in my manifesto.
“I need to work harder on the Special Status Project, Devolution of powers, State police and Domiciling more power generates from Egbin in Ikorodu.
He described the special status project he and Sen. Remi Tinubu introduced at the lower and higher chambers of the National Assembly respectively as a novel idea but which a section of the legislators rejected.
He assured his constituents that the bill, which would be represented when the 9th National Assembly’s Session reconvened, would eventually be passed into law.
“The special status bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Tinubu and by my good self in the House of Representatives.
“The special status bill I introduced was to grant economic status to deserving States that have a population of over 10 million people.
“It was novel and it excited everyone but the gang up against Lagos prevailed.
“ The bill will surely be represented and will be signed God willing by Mr President.
On the devolution of power which was also rejected by the lawmakers during the constitutional amendments, Hon. Benson also assured that it would also be passed.
“Devolution of power will eventually be passed but in the 9th Assembly”, he assured.
Responding to question on how empowerment of the youths can be used in curbing political violence, Hon. Benson stated that youths have always been the fulcrum of his legislative advocacy and representation.
“Some motions I have moved deal with how young people can be empowered.
“ I have also, on numerous occasions, empowered, given job opportunities and counseled these youths, it’s still an ongoing dialogue and process.
He opined that the situation can be dealt with completely when the country’s economy stabilizes and more jobs and opportunities are opened to the youths to engage in.
“Absolutely, it can be corrected through economic empowerment, job creation and also, by giving these youths a sense of belonging.
“Most of the political thugs/cultists are educated and are not in any way happy with their current situations, they also really want a decent life for themselves and families. I believe that when the Nigerian economy stabilizes further, more opportunities will be created and these youths will be engaged while thuggery and other vices will gradually reduce”.
Speaking on the delay in the payment of Trader’s moni that he helped some beneficiaries in Ikorodu to facilitate, the lawmaker stated that the money will be paid within 10 days.
“I was involved but payment has been delayed from the end of BOI, however, they have promised to make disbursement to beneficiaries within 10 days”.
The young and dynamic lawmaker, who stated that his goal is to put smiles on the faces of his people, assured the public that his Food Bank project, tagged ‘Apo Anu’ will be a continuous intervention programme.
He revealed that the United Nations (UN) has recently extended invitation to him to be on its panel set up to eradicate hunger by 2030.
“I set out to always put smiles on the faces of people and add value. I can do this in many ways and had been doing same before joining politics. I will also be willing to do whatever will make my Division great in whatever capacity through God’s guidance.
“Our intervention programme (Apo Anu) aimed at curbing hunger will definitely continue, as a matter of fact, I just got invited by the UN to be a panelist on the eradication of hunger by 2030. The event comes up mid March 2019″.
Hon. Benson, who has also worked towards the revival of the Port authority, especially the lighter terminal in Ikorodu, revealed that the flag off for a light rail from the Port to Apapa has been scheduled for Monday, January 28,2019.
“As a matter of fact, the flag off for a light rail from the Port linking Apapa is scheduled for Monday, so expect us including relevant Ministers to be on our soil on Monday”.
