The Awoniyi’s: Helping others find path of economic survival

Since his emergence as Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi has not left anyone in doubt about the basic role expected of him. Aside providing the needed support in governance, he is persuaded not only about the need to galvanize people of his district to support government programmes and policies but to also initiate in his private capacity programs that will aid the living standard of the people.

Little wonder, Sunday, 8th February, 2015 would remain in the annals of history and in the minds of people across the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State. That day, the Deputy Governor executed an interventionist program to boost the standard of living in his Senatorial District. Venue of the event was ECWA Primary School, field Mopa, Mopamuro LGA, Kogi State. On hand for distribution were assorted items like Motorcycles, Generators, Refrigerators, Hair dryers, Wheel Chairs and Vulcanizer Pumps.

The beneficiaries were mostly women, the unemployed, underemployed youths and artisans. Therefore Grinding machines, Sewing machines, Clippers, Farmers spray, Cooking stoves, Electronic tool boxes and undisclosed cash amount were also distributed. The mammoth crowd in attendance came from all axis of the district. They had all converged on the open field, to appreciate what several speakers at the event say is the outstanding performance and loyalty of their son, Yomi Awoniyi to his boss, Capt Idris Wada Governor, Kogi State.

The programme which drew people from all works of life was a human development outreach. For the avoidance of doubts, it was not the first by the Awoniyi family. It would be recalled that on several occasion, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Tokunbo Awoniyi, had empowered about 330 women across the Western Senatorial District in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The quality of dignitaries in attendance at the outreach program, was another testimony that truly, the Deputy Governor’s ability to carry people is exceptional.

The look of satisfaction on the faces of those that attended the programme in Mopa, show that there is harmony and cordial relationships between the Deputy Governor and his people. Similarly, the empowerment program is a proof that when people at the grassroots are empowered, the multiplier effects echoes beyond the immediate. They beneficiaries do not only become self reliant, they also often become employers of labour.

Little wonder the joy of stakeholders knew no bound as the 415 persons from across seven Local Government Areas that make up the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State, were supported by the Deputy Governor and his wife. The gesture according to the family, is geared towards making citizens of the area self sustaining and economically empowered to enhance their livelihood, and turn them to employers of labour as may be possible.

Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor and his wife disclosed that the efforts to reach out to members of the society with such support was to assure the people that as leaders in the State, they are aware of their needs and assured that they will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that they provide for those in need in their individual and official capacities.

In the words of Mrs. Awoniyi, “we are hoping that by lighting a candle, one thousand others will be lit. By lifting up one additional members of our society, several others will be helped to find the path of economic survival and in so doing; we can create more prosperous and stable society we can all be proud of” she said.

Also in his words, Yomi Awoniyi said, “Government is trying within the limit of resources available to it to affect the lives of the people,” promised better days ahead for the people under a PDP led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Awoniyi solicited support for President Goodluck Jonathan and all other PDP candidates in the forthcoming general elections, said such gesture by the electorates of the districts will help consolidate the immense benefits made under the present administration in the country and in the State.

Yomi Awoniyi and his wife, Mrs. Tokunbo Awoniyi, thanked Capt. Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor and his wife, Hajia Halimat Wada for their invaluable support to the physically challenged members of the society and the vulnerable, appealed for the peoples support to enable the present administration in the State do more for the people.

Various speakers at the programme included Alhaji Hassan Salawu, State PDP Chairman, Chief Ola Akande, one time Deputy Governor, Kogi State, Kayode Ige, Dr. S.K. Adedoyin, amongst others all commended the Deputy Governor for the laudable initiative to empower his constituents an action considered as the first of its kind in the area. The various speakers equally lauded the Deputy Governor for his ability to also galvanize the people of the area to support the present administration and for having the less privilege and vulnerable in the society at heart.

Other speakers at the event like Mrs Modupe Jemibewon, Maimunah Umah, Margaret Orebiyi, Justina Abanida, Hajia Khadijat Ibrahim, PDP Zonal Women Leader, praised wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Awoniyi for having faith in women as well as strive for their empowerment.

Ado Shaibu, Mrs. Temitope Shinkaiye, Hon. T.J. Yusuf, Mathew Kolawole, Henry Ojuola, Chief S.B. Rowland, Eric Fiki, Princess Folade, Lami Joshua and Isah Adeboye amongst others who bared their mind at the event said call for prayer for the Deputy Governor and his family, challenged others blessed by God to share with the less privilege and commended the Deputy Governor for the laudable initiative to empower his constituents, a feat they disclosed was the first of its kind in the area. The various speakers lauded the Deputy Governor for the ability to galvanize the people of the area to support the present administration and for having the less privilege and vulnerable in the society at heart.

Also speaking at the event, Ibrahim Dio, Elizabeth Oye, Omowumi Sunday and Patricia Kunle who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries of the outreach programme said the support will help boost their businesses, boost their economy and improve their standard of living. They also prayed for the success of the present administration in the state under the leadership of Capt Idris Wada.

For the Awoniyi’s it goes beyond politics. For them putting smiles on the faces of people using the development outreach is the true meaning of life. For them they have lighting a candle, they are hoping that by that gesture one thousand others will be lit and several others will find the path of economic survival.

By Abu Micheal