Oladapo empowers Ondo women

From Biyi Akinodi, Ore
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A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo West local government, Mr Abiola Oladapo has urged political leaders to implement people-oriented programmes that will alleviate poverty in Nigeria.

Oladapo made the call in Ondo during the Oladapo Solidarity Forum empowerment programme where 10,000 women were given business start up capital ranging between N20,000 and N10,000.

He stressed the need for political leaders in the country to always use their positions to assist their constituents.

 The PDP House of Assembly candidate in Ondo West constituency 2 in the just concluded elections lamented that despite 20 years of democracy, Nigeria is still not out of the woods due to poor leadership.

Oladapo urged the government to initiate policies and actions that would create jobs and enable youths contribute to national development.

“I came into politics to serve my people, despite not winning the election, I will continue to do my best to improve the lives of people in Ondo State especially in Ondo city.

” It is sad to observe that we are yet to enjoy basic amenities developed countries enjoy, such as uninterrupted electricity supply, potable drinking water, good roads, access to health facilities and good quality education, almost 60 years after independence.

“It is part of our mission to lift people out of poverty by creating human resources and enterprising society where people will be self dependent. Politics should be seen as a way to better and improve the living standard of the people, it should not be for self gain”, he said.

He therefore appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money for the purpose it’s meant for so that our society can be better.

He admonished newly-elected leaders not to embark on projects that would not affect people directly, but strive to impact and fight poverty in the society.

“We must come together to fight poverty in the land no matter our political platform; it is our common responsibilities as leaders. All our political structures should be strengthened and the doctrine of separation of powers should be reinforced. We need to de-emphasize use of money in our politics.”

Oladapo said leaders must nip the looming revolution of the unemployed youths in the bud, by initiating empowerment and skill acquisitions programmes.

Also reacting to the news of his purported suspension from the party, he describes it as a joke taken too far, saying he remains a bonafide, loyal and active member of PDP in both the council and the state.

He however reiterated his commitment and determination to work with the party to regain its status in the state promised to continue to abide by the tenets and spirit of PDP.