Chairman of the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, Engineer Muftau Open-Salawu, has made a renewed call to all well-meaning Nigerians, including political office holders, government agencies, individuals, and organisations, to establish sustainable and impactful empowerment schemes aimed at improving the lives of the less privileged in society.
He made the call during an empowerment programme held in the Sabo area of Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
During the event which was aimed to transform the lives of five individuals from poverty to financial independence, Open-Salawu emphasised that simply distributing small amounts of financial aid or food is insufficient for meaningful poverty reduction.
Instead, he advocated empowerment programmes that create jobs and generate wealth for the vulnerable segments of society.
He believed that such initiatives would not only help individuals but also create a more effective strategy for lifting people out of poverty.
After distributing five million naira in checks to the beneficiaries of his inaugural “Empowerment Raffle Draw,” Open-Salawu expressed his intent to make this initiative an annual event.
He encouraged affluent Nigerians to actively participate in uplifting their fellow citizens within their capacities.
Speaking to journalists, Open-Salawu urged the public to overcome skepticism regarding empowerment programs, pledging to mentor the five recipients, each receiving one million naira, to ensure they become productive contributors to economic growth.
Open-Salawu remarked, “This is just one of many activities I have been involved in. My efforts to empower others are not new; they have been ongoing for years. In the past, I have provided support through various means, including motorcycles, food, and educational assistance.”
He continued, “As a politician, it is common for motives to be questioned. However, I believe that when you are blessed, you should give back to your community.”
“My website features the phrase, ‘Build the people, free the nation.’ It reflects my commitment to developing those around me. Recently, we also organized a scholarship for talented students, a program I have maintained for seven years.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing Nigeria, Open-Salawu stated, “The current economic situation is tough for everyone, rich and poor alike. While Nigerians have shown resilience, we must recognize that the inflation and instability we are experiencing can lead to unrest if left unaddressed.”
He criticised the government’s approach of distributing cash aid, asserting that it fails to address the root causes of poverty.
“Temporary relief measures do not solve hunger or anger; they are short-lived solutions. Instead, a focused investment in job creation and wealth generation across different regions would yield more sustainable results.”
Open-Salawu expressed his hope to continue these empowerment efforts annually, contingent on good health and stable funding.
He encouraged those with financial means to broaden their support networks and help as many people as possible.
The event concluded with a symbolic cheque presentation to the five new millionaires, alongside cash awards of five thousand naira for randomly selected participants.
The beneficiaries, who included petty traders, artisans, and youths, expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government and urged other leaders to follow Open-Salawu’s exemplary initiatives.
One of the beneficiaries, a 64-year-old Asanat Jimoh, shared her heartfelt appreciation for Open-Salawu’s generosity and the transparent process of the raffle, expressing her joy at being among the recipients.
