Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
Although, it was another occasion to give back to his constituents by giving out important tools of trade and financial support, the event turned out to be a venue for the two – term representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, to give his stewardship accounts in the last three years.
Rep. Benson, who listed laudable projects that he achieved in the last three years of his second term at the final day of his 2 – day empowerment programme for his constituents, singled out the establishment of the IKD Radio 106.1FM as his biggest achievement so far.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Defense, at the empowerment which was held at his Constituency Office on Saturday, August 20, 2022, doled out Mini Buses (30), Tricycles (25), Motorcycles (9) Deep Freezers (70), Hairdryer Machines (40), Vulcanizing Machines (30), Sewing Machines ( 43), Generator Sets (45), Solar Power Gadgets (with Fan without fan) (800), to beneficiaries.
Empowerment mini – buses and Tricycles (Keke Marwa)
He had earlier given grant of N50, 000 each to about 200 market men and women and also distributed 36 Deep Freezers to party women and market leaders on the first day of the programme.
He also instituted an educational support for higher institution students tagged, ‘Tuition Assistance ‘.
While expressing his happiness and thanking constituents for their support and mandate given to him, Rep. Benson explained that the Voice of Nigeria (VOA) which the former Minister for Information, late Otunba Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson, SAN, facilitated in Ikorodu, inspired him to initiate the IKD Radio 106.1FM.
“Today is a very happy day for me. I should be the one thanking you for your support and believe in me to have elected me in my first term and re – elected me for the second term and just of recent, you gave me another mandate to stand for election for the third term. Thank you all”, Rep. Benson said.
“Since we are in electioneering period, it’s important that l talk about what I have been able to do with your mandate so far.
“My biggest achievement till date, though Kabiyesi spoke little about the Voice of Nigeria (VOA), when I was elected, I thought about the VOA which TOS (Otunba Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson, SAN, former Minister of Information,) brought to Ikorodu and I thought what else can I do that will also impact as much as that, that was what led to the establishment of the IKD 106.1FM”, he said.
“It is the first and only community owned radio in Lagos State”.
He also listed road construction, stadium and provision of solar power as some of his achievements in the last three years.
“Apart from that Radio Station, the other things that I have done based on your requests are the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 30 roads across the Ikorodu Federal Constituency”, he said
“By next week (this week), we are flagging – off the construction of Ajose Street and Eruwen Road.
“We also constructed a mini stadium in Ikorodu and we are going to construct another big one in Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
“The Ikorodu – Shagamu Road will be commissioned first quarter next year. That was the first motion that I moved when I got into the House. The project is very dear to my heart”, Rep. Benson said.
The youthful lawmaker also added that he has facilitated solar powered light across his constituency.
In his royal remarks, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, said that Hon. Benson is his beloved son.
“I pray that we shall always witness a good son like Hon. Benson in Ikorodu. Here is my beloved son, in whom I am very well pleased, always listen to him”, the royal father said.
“History is repeating itself. We know the pedigree of his forefathers and what they have done for us in ikorodu. Just a stone throw from here is Voice of Nigerian which came through Benson’s family and there are many like that. He inherited his deeds and acts from home”.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu stated that Ikorodu would support the incumbent Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu for re – election as long as the constitution permitted but that it would be the turn of Ikorodu after him.
“Let me sound a note of warning to all of us, all these that we are doing are just for appeasement, our major target is the Governorship of Lagos State”, Oba Shotobi said.
“We are going to support Sanwo – Olu for the second term and if permitted beyond that, but after him, it is the turn of Ikorodu. I am in position to say it with my authority as the King.
“We are in need of Omo Orushen (an indigene of Ikorodu) to be at the helms of affairs in the state. He has been doing it now and we all can see it and he will still do more.
“When the time comes, he will surely do more for us because he has been doing a lot even when we are yet to ask anything of him, so, there is no doubt that he would accede to our wishes if he gets to more a prominent position”, the royal father said of Rep. Benson.
“It is Ikorodu’s turn to be governor of Lagos State”.
Oba Shotobi also appealed to those that are not considered in the empowerment programme to exercise patient till other time.
“We all may not be opportuned to get any equipment or gift (from Rep, Babajimi Benson) today, but our own raining day would come when it would be our turn to get. If it’s not your turn today, you should wait till another time. It’s a continuous exercise. Just be patient, it will get to your turn”, he appealed.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, also speaking, said royal fathers in the Division hold Hon. Benson, who is Otun Asiwaju of Ikorodu Division, in high esteem because of his quality representation.
He described the empowerment programme as huge for the people of Ikorodu.
The royal father charged others in position and those going into political offices to always use their offices for the benefit of the people and listen to good counsels.
Also, Hon. Saheed Obanikoro, Representtaive, Eti – Osa Federal Constituency, in his own remarks, commended his counterpart in Ikorodu for his representation.
Speaking earlier, Mayor Muhydeen Sanwoola, Director – General, iCare Foundation, the working team of Rep. Babajimi Benson, said that the empowerment was all about touching constituents’ lives.
“Why we are here is just to touch lives and letting our constituents know that there are dividends for democracy.
“Our goal today is to make sure we touch our people’s lives. It is not to solve everybody’s problem all at once, but it is possible to start with a step. Some are coming here today with mindset to get a car or a bus, will at the end be entitled to a Deep Freezer; some will be expecting sewing machine but will be presented with a bus. We are not God, but we will try as much as possible to make sure that everybody is touched”.
While thanking the royal fathers, leaders and entire constituents for their support, the iCare DG also charged beneficiaries to put the equipment into good use.
Some of the beneficiaries that spoke with THE IMPACT also thanked their representative for the gesture.
Mr Adelaja Kazeem from Ward F, Ikorodu LG, who was presented with a sewing machine, commenting, said:
“I am very grateful for what I am given today. I pray that God will continue to strengthen Hon Babajimi Benson for the good work that he has been doing in Ikorodu. We are really appreciative of him”.
Mr Ogunpitan Adeleye from Agura, another beneficiary, said:
“We thank Hon Jimi Benson for what he has been doing for party members. He will continue to be blessed and prosper”.
Another beneficiary, Mr Toyosi, Ikorodu LG, said:
“I thank Hon. Benson for doing this for us. I pray that everything he lays his hands on will proper by God grace”.
Mrs Funmi Odofin, Ward C4, Ibeshe,Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, a beneficiary of Grinding Machine, said:
“I am overwhelmed today because I have never benefitted from any politician like this for over 20 years that I have been doing party politics. I thank Babajimi Benson for doing this for me. It will remove poverty in my family and prevent us from hunger. I pray that God will never make him hungry and will grant all his prayers. After his representation, he deserves to be Governor.”
