Nigerian leaders, well-to-do individuals, and corporate organisations have been urged to use their resources to support the less privileged and the vulnerable in society.
A member of the Governing Council of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Barr Abimbola Daramola, said such remains a way of contributing to the development of society, particularly the grassroots, towards achieving a better society.
Daramola, the youngest council member, spoke during her empowerment programme, which was held at the Ikere pavilion for over 300 families in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti state.
The initiative, described as the first step in the renewed grassroots development drive under the Renewed Hope Grassroots Engagement platform, was unveiled at the Ikere Ekiti pavilion in the heart of the ancient town.
Items distributed include over 300 bags of Rice, sewing machines, grinding machines, and fumigation sprayers. Several students, especially the indigent, were awarded N50,000 scholarships and educational materials to schools in Ikere Ekiti, including St. Gabriel Catholic Secondary School, Methodist N/P School, and Aseyori School.
In addition to food items, vocational equipment, and educational materials donated, over 100 commercial motorcyclists were given free fuel.
Speaking at the event, she explained that the empowerment programme essentially gave back to the community by equipping individuals with skills, resources, and confidence to improve their lives and futures. She added that the target is to foster self-reliance, reduce poverty, and promote community participation to create positive, lasting change and build a stronger, more capable community.
At the event, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who spoke through his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended Barr. Daramola’s initiative urged the people to emulate her kind gesture.
While noting that it is in tandem with the vision for poverty alleviation and inclusive development of the present administrations in the state and at the federal level, the governor said, “This is true grassroots leadership in action. What we’ve witnessed today is not just generosity—it’s capacity building. Daramola is a shining example of the kind of leadership we need in Ekiti”.
