By Victor Akinkuolie, Ode-Irele
No fewer than 300 elderly residents of Irele Local Government area of Ondo State have benefited from a ₦6 million social welfare package initiated by the council chairman, Mr. Olajide Akinfe.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 10 political wards in the council area, received cash support as part of the local government’s efforts to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
Speaking during the distribution, Akinfe said the initiative formed part of his administration’s social welfare programme aimed at supporting senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.
He explained that the programme was non-partisan and designed to improve the living conditions of the elderly irrespective of their political affiliations.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective grassroots governance, saying the governor’s support had made it possible for local governments to implement people-oriented programmes.
Akinfe described the governor’s “OUR EASE” Agenda as a people-centred development blueprint that had continued to redefine governance at the grassroots.
He also paid tribute to the elderly for their prayers and support, which he said had contributed significantly to the successes recorded by his administration.
The council boss reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the welfare programme, assuring residents that his administration would continue to empower women, youths and other vulnerable groups through human capital development, skills acquisition and infrastructure projects.
He urged the beneficiaries to continue supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration with prayers to ensure the successful implementation of its developmental agenda.
The event, held at the Irele Local Government Secretariat along Ode-Omin Road, was attended by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Yemi Otutu; the Head of Local Government Administration, Prince Samuel Olumo; councillors, political office holders, APC members and other stakeholders.