Ogun-Osun Basin MD empowers residents, backs Tinubu, Yayi

File photo: President Bola Tinubu

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and founder of the EDA Empowerment Foundation, Dr Deji Ashiru, has distributed cash grants and food palliatives to more than 2,000 vulnerable members of the community as part of efforts to combat poverty, promote economic inclusion and improve the living conditions of disadvantaged Nigerians.

The initiative, held at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu-Ode, on Tuesday, targeted women, youths, widows, elderly persons, people living with disabilities, small business owners and artisans, among others.

Speaking at the empowerment programme, Ashiru disclosed that the foundation, established in 2018 as a registered institution, had empowered more than 10,000 beneficiaries through various interventions, including skills acquisition, the provision of equipment and financial support.

He said the latest intervention was informed by prevailing economic realities and the immediate needs expressed by members of the community.

Ashiru said, “Today, our people did not ask us for big grammar. They said, ‘Give us what we need now.’ The economic situation has made direct financial assistance particularly important for petty traders, artisans, young entrepreneurs and vulnerable households struggling to meet their daily needs.

“While many women require additional capital to restock their shops, young people need financial support to expand their trades, while widows and elderly persons require assistance to meet basic household needs.

“Therefore, today’s empowerment is intentionally different. Today is about direct cash grants and palliatives. We are not giving you what we think you need; we are giving you what you told us you need — cash in your hand to solve your immediate problem, and food palliatives to cushion your household.”

He urged beneficiaries to regard the grants as seed capital rather than money for temporary consumption.

“If you receive a cash grant today, please do not use it to solve a problem that will disappear tomorrow. Use it to start or support a trade that will feed you next year. Let this naira you receive today become ten naira tomorrow,” he advised.

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He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and creating opportunities for economic advancement, particularly among women, youths, widows and people living with disabilities.

Ashiru also expressed support for the All Progressives Congress, describing the distribution of cash grants and palliatives as an example of the people-oriented interventions he believes should characterise governance.

The MD commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said emphasised direct interventions to support economically disadvantaged Nigerians.

Ashiru also thanked Tinubu for appointing him Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority three years ago, saying the opportunity had enabled him to contribute to national development.

He said Tinubu deserved re-election in 2027, citing his reforms to strengthen the economy and address economic leakages.

Ashiru also expressed support for Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, whom he described as the prospective successor in the Ogun State governorship race, citing his empowerment initiatives and grassroots engagement.

He further rallied support for Governor Dapo Abiodun, Daddah Rasaq and Mokesioluwa Adedamola, whom he identified as the APC candidates for Ogun East Senatorial District, Ijebu Central Federal Constituency and the Ogun State House of Assembly, respectively.

He urged residents to support the party and its candidates, expressing hope that grassroots empowerment initiatives would continue beyond election campaigns.