By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

A lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, has disbursed over seven million naira cash grants to 250 small-scale business owners across the six wards of the constituency.

Ogunwumiju, who is the Parliamentary Secretary of the Assembly also commissioned constituency office annex during the event on Thursday.

The empowerment programme, held at the office annex Yaba, Ondo, drew a significant numbers of people, including the APC local government Chairman, Ward Chairmen, current and former political office holders, women groups and other key stakeholders from the local government and the State.

The lawmaker who was welcome amidst jubilation and encomium reaffirmed his commitment to continuous engagement and support for his people to justify the trust reposed in him.

According to him, the inauguration of the constituency office annex symbolised his commitment to improving communication, accessibility, and service delivery to the people.

Ogunwumiju who posited that at this challenging time, it is crucial to look inwards and become more enterprising. by engaging in farming, herding, carpentry, and other trades to reduce dependency on external goods and retain more wealth within the local economy said this will ensure that hard-earned money circulates within the community to benefit all and sundry.

While saying that he was proud of the progress made and the honour to serve his people, he reeled out his achievements in the last one year to include, sponsoring of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill, lobbied to insert specific major projects such as the Itanla bypass road and other inner roads into the 2024 appropriation bill, and the distribution of
cooking gas to 500 constituents.

” I have actively participated in legislative activities and performed oversight functions to ensure accountability and proper governance. As the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Works, I was instrumental in calling the government’s attention to the dilapidated Owena-Akure Road, which prompted the intervention of the Ministry of Works Direct Labor Department. As a result, the road was rehabilitated.

“l have provided financial aid to student bodies, supported the annual inter house sports competitions for primary and secondary schools, promoting extracurricular activities that add value to students’ lives. I paid the school fees for constituents, and ensure continued education for those in need.

‘To enhance local economic growth, I have provided financial aid to constituents to support their businesses. This is just the one which we have decided to make public. In the last one year, I have provided at least 10 million naira economic assistance to my constituents”, he said.

He pointed out that significant efforts were made by him to improve infrastructures which includes, rehabilitating a borehole at Ajegunle, Yaba, upgrading toilet facilities at Moferere Market, and grading and repairing failed portions of roads within the constituency.

“I have provided financial support to both the Muslim and Christian communities, enhancing religious harmony and support. I actively participated in and financially supported traditional and community festivals in preserving our cultural heritage and community spirit”, he added.

Dignitaries at the event included the Majority Leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Special Adviser to the State Governor on Legislative Matters, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye, representative of House of Representatives member, Chief Abiola Makinde, former lawmaker, Ade Adeniyi, APC Ondo West local government Chairman, Bernard Aro among others, in their separate remarks eulogised the lawmaker for his quality representation and leadership role since inception.

Also, beneficiaries in separate interviews affirmed that Otunba Ogunwumiju has
demonstrated commitment towards meeting the yearnings of his people, describing him as a worthy representative, even as they enjoined him to sustain the sterling qualities.