Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has distributed 50kg of rice, cash, chicken, and bags of garri to over two thousand constituents in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Areas of Oyo State.
The distribution, which started in the early hours of Friday, December 29, 2023, in Igboora, the country home of the lawmaker, had in attendance constituents from across the five towns that make up the constituency.
Among the beneficiaries of the foodstuff distribution were well-to-do individuals in the constituency, widows, youths, the less privileged, the elderly, students, community leaders and others.
The lawmaker also said that the sum of N5 million distributed to 500 constituents at N10,000 each is from his own personal savings to assist those who do not have the financial capacity to cook the shared food materials.
“We know we can’t feed everyone, but our little assistance can put a smile on the faces of our people. We know what the price of food is in the market, but as representatives, we can always assist while we focus on solving the problem of food scarcity in our nation.
“Although I am not a fan of palliative, this is just to put a smile on the faces of my neighbours who are my constituents during this special season of love and family.
In his remark, he said he knows things are tough for almost everyone in the country, and he enjoined anyone who has to remember to share because a giver never lacks.
“What gives me joy is that everyone is happy here today, regardless of the side of society on which they sit. If you are getting more than you need for these festivities, please don’t hesitate to share what you get here today with others.
“Everybody cannot be here; a bag of 50 kg of rice is too much for a family of three this period. We are not going to divide anything; you are all entitled to everything that is here today, but don’t hesitate to give those you know who are going to celebrate this season with empty bows and pots. Together, we can put a smile on everyone’s faces during and after this season,” Ibarapakan said.
While appreciating everyone in attendance, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character said he would not hesitate to continue to create job opportunities for the people of the constituency as the House passes the 2024 Appropriation Bill tomorrow.
According to him, the 2024 Budget, if passed, will result in a lot of projects in the constituency, reiterating that the interests of the constituency are his topmost priority.
Commending the lawmaker, some of the beneficiaries of the free foodstuff initiative lauded Ibarapakan, saying that for the first time in history, the house of a federal lawmaker has become a free abode for everyone and not just for party men.
“I am visiting the house of a politician for the first time; I just worked inside and picked up my own bag of rice.
There was no stress, no too many questions. If this had been the order of the day in the years past, maybe many of us would have developed interest in politics, but Ibarapakan is changing the narrative, and that is no longer news,” he said.
In attendance were chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the constituency, such as Olanrele Kolawole Salako, popularly known as (Great Mother), Hon. Remi Ayoade, Elder Eyinade (Elejire), Hon. Gbade Akinlolu, PDP Party Chairman in Ibarapa Central, Hon. Sola Fakorede, former Ibarapa Central Vice Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Rufai, former Ibarapa Central Caretaker Chairman, Elder Olaoye and others.