By: Ola Asubiojo
In a remarkable demonstration of integrity, leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Igede-Ekiti, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as CHENCO, on Wednesday transformed promises into reality as he fulfilled a major empowerment pledge earlier made in October 2025, during his maiden economic empowerment to over two hundred beneficiaries.
The prestigious NULGE Hall, Igede-Ekiti, became a theatre of celebration, gratitude and renewed hope as over 250 beneficiaries drawn from Igede-Ekiti and Awo-Ekiti received various economic and income-generating machines and equipment aimed at improving their livelihoods and strengthening their economic independence.
The atmosphere was electrifying as beneficiaries, community leaders, political stakeholders and well-wishers gathered to witness what many described as one of the most extensive grassroots empowerment programmes ever organized in the history of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.
In further demonstration of his honesty, loyalty to purpose and consistency between words and actions, Honourable Oluwatuyi did not only fulfil his previous promise but also unveiled another phase of empowerment running into millions of naira.
The beneficiaries received an impressive array of economic tools and resources, including cash gifts worth thousands of naira, grinding machines, public address systems, barbing clippers, quality food items, herbicide sprayers and several other business-support equipment designed to boost productivity and financial stability.
Notably, farmers—especially the young and promising agricultural entrepreneurs—were not left behind. Thousands of raised cocoa seedlings were distributed in large quantities to encourage commercial agriculture, enhance future wealth creation and strengthen the local economy.
Speaking during the programme, the chairman reiterated that the empowerment initiative was not only a gesture of appreciation for the overwhelming support and unprecedented votes delivered to the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji during the recent gubernatorial election, but also a strategic intervention aimed at cushioning the effects of global economic challenges on the people.
According to him, sustainable economic empowerment remains one of the strongest pathways to community development, self-reliance and long-term prosperity.
Honourable Oluwatuyi urged the people to continue supporting the administration of Governor Oyebanji, whose people-oriented policies continue to bring development across Ekiti State.
He also appealed for sustained support for his administration, expressing confidence that greater achievements in infrastructure, healthcare delivery, educational advancement and community development would be witnessed during his anticipated second term in office.
The chairman assured residents who were yet to benefit from the empowerment programme that more opportunities would soon be made available, emphasizing that no segment of the local government would be left behind in his developmental agenda.
The beneficiaries, overwhelmed with joy and appreciation, responded with songs, dances, prayers and heartfelt testimonies.
The event witnessed spontaneous celebrations as beneficiaries openly showered encomiums on the chairman for what they described as a life-changing intervention.
Several recipients interviewed during the programme described the empowerment as a significant turning point in their lives, noting that the support would enhance their businesses, improve their living standards and provide them with the financial leverage needed to compete favourably within the community.
Many of them unanimously agreed that the initiative represents a practical and impactful approach to poverty reduction and economic upliftment at the grassroots level.
The colourful event attracted an impressive gathering of political leaders, community stakeholders and prominent personalities from across the local government area.
Among those in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Honourable Alade Remi Babatunde; the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Honourable Olatunji Sule; Honourable Faromika Olanipekun; ward chairmen; councillors; community leaders; traditional chiefs; political stakeholders and notable members of the “Iru Wa, Ogiri Wa” political family of former governor Ayodele Fayose,
added prestige and significance to the occasion, reinforcing the widespread acceptance and popularity of the chairman’s people-centred leadership style.
As the curtains fell on the historic programme, one message resonated clearly across the hall and beyond: when leadership is guided by sincerity, compassion and commitment, promises become realities and communities flourish.
For many residents of Igede-Ekiti and Awo-Ekiti, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga’s empowerment initiative will remain a landmark reference point—an enduring symbol of responsive governance, economic inclusion and transformational leadership in the annals of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.
