Ekiti East Local Government has rolled out a major empowerment programme targeting more than 1,000 residents across different groups in the council area, as part of efforts to improve livelihoods, support grassroots development, and expand economic opportunities for residents.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Ekiti East Local Government Secretariat in Omuo-Ekiti, also featured the commissioning of major development projects aimed at boosting local economic activities and improving living standards within the council.
Speaking during the programme, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment and support items distributed to them. He said the success of the initiative would depend largely on how beneficiaries utilise the resources to improve their businesses, support their families, and contribute positively to their communities.
Olabode said the Ekiti State Government remained committed to grassroots development through programmes that directly impact residents. According to him, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has continued to prioritise policies and projects that improve the welfare of people at the local government level.
He commended the leadership of Ekiti East Local Government for driving initiatives that align with the development goals of the state government, noting that the projects and empowerment scheme reflected practical governance focused on the people.
The Commissioner also praised the Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbeyin, community leaders, and residents for supporting government programmes and maintaining cooperation with the local administration.
According to Olabode, the Executive Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Mr. Olusegun Ojo, has demonstrated strong leadership through projects and initiatives that directly impact residents.
He noted that Ojo currently serves as Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and also as the National Treasurer of the association.
In his address, Ojo said the empowerment programme formed part of the promises made by his administration to residents of the council area. He explained that the initiative was designed to ensure that governance delivers measurable benefits to the people, especially at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic pressure.
According to him, the programme was created to support residents across different sectors while aligning with the shared prosperity agenda of the state government.
Ojo said governance should be measured by the quality of life of the people and the level of improvement experienced by communities.
He disclosed that beneficiaries were selected from different groups including youths, students, farmers, artisans, transporters, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities.
The council chairman explained that empowerment items distributed during the programme included sewing machines, hair dryers, food supplies, and several farming tools such as rakes, hoes, and spraying pumps.
According to him, the items were expected to help beneficiaries start or expand small businesses, improve productivity, and create sustainable means of livelihood.
Beyond the empowerment programme, the council also commissioned two major projects during the event. The projects include the Ekiti East Ultramodern Garri Processing Industry and a 1000-seater Multipurpose Hall.
Ojo said both projects were developed based on the specific needs of the local government and would contribute to economic growth within the area.
He explained that the garri processing industry would not only create jobs but also help improve internally generated revenue for the council while supporting agricultural activities across surrounding communities.
According to him, products from the processing plant would be branded as “Garri Omuo,” with plans to position the product for wider recognition and possible export opportunities in the future.
The council chairman added that the projects reflected the administration’s focus on long-term economic development rather than short-term interventions alone.
Speaking at the event, the Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Omonigbeyin, commended Governor Oyebanji for supporting development projects across the state and for backing initiatives targeted at improving grassroots communities.
The monarch also praised residents of the local government for their cooperation and support towards the success of government programmes.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Ademola Taiwo expressed appreciation to the local government for the initiative, describing the programme as timely and impactful.
Taiwo pledged that beneficiaries would make proper use of the items distributed to them and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
