The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, has commended the stakeholders and members of Egbe Bo’bakeye Ile Ibadan for their sustained contributions to humanity and support for vulnerable members of society.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, gave the commendation at a cash empowerment programme organised by the club for about 300 widows in Ibadan.
The programme, held at Aj’orosun Club, Ibadan, was part of the association’s commitment to humanitarian service, community development and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
The APC candidate described the gesture as commendable, saying that the association had demonstrated compassion and generosity by supporting widows and other less privileged members of society.
He said it was important to appreciate individuals and organisations that complemented government efforts through humanitarian interventions, noting that government alone could not meet all the needs of the people.
According to him, voluntary associations and community-based organisations have important roles to play in societal development, particularly through initiatives aimed at supporting the needy and improving citizens’ welfare.
Alli also reiterated his commitment to ensuring effective local government administration in Oyo State if elected governor in the 2027 general election.
He said his administration would prioritise functional and effective local governments, adding that strengthening the third tier of government would bring governance and development closer to the people.
The senator also expressed support for the reforms of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the increase in allocations to state and local governments following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He said the increased financial resources available to subnational governments presented opportunities to improve infrastructure, social services and grassroots development.
Earlier, the President of Egbe Bo’bakeye Ile Ibadan, Alhaja Fadeke Alebiosu, said the empowerment programme was organised to support about 300 widows across Ibadan.
Alebiosu explained that the initiative was in line with the aims and objectives of the association, which included demonstrating kindness and generosity to the less privileged and contributing to the progress and development of Ibadanland.
She said the club remained committed to humanitarian service, promoting unity among its members and supporting initiatives capable of improving the welfare of the people.
Alebiosu expressed appreciation to Alli, whom she described as the patron of the club, for his continued support for its activities and development.
According to her, Alli provided financial assistance and shirts for participants at the empowerment programme, describing the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to the association.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the stakeholders and members of Egbe Bo’bakeye Ile Ibadan for remembering widows and extending support to them.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Aliu Iyabo, thanked the club for its kindness towards her and other beneficiaries, praying for continued progress and prosperity for the organisation and its members.
Iyabo, who is also a member of the club, said one of the major objectives of the association was to promote mutual support among members and contribute meaningfully to the development of Ibadanland.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Toyin Osunware, also commended the stakeholders and members of the club for their generosity and prayed for God’s continued blessings and promotion upon them.
