The headquarters of Surulere Local Government on Wednesday, 21 August, 2024 was agog as the council boss, Honourable Bamidele Sulaiman Yusuf, empowered 640 people with tools, machineries and N2.5 million in cash to alleviate the prevalent economic challenges.
Speaking at the august occasion, Yusuf said during the commemoration of his two years in office last year, ”empowerment programme like this was one of our various chains of event, and today we are here again to give the dividend of democracy back to the people whose public trust we hold.
“Today, hundreds of people in Surulere will benefit in various items, tools and machineries such as freezers, generators, photocopiers, industrial machines among others and also financial grants to over 250 to support SMEs and households so as to alleviate the prevalent economic challenges”.
The council boss assured on his commitment to the people of Surulere in making sure their welfare is non-negotiable as this “is the social contract that will always uphold as long as I am in their service,” adding that the gathering here “today is to render the report of my stewardship, as the saying goes, to whom much is given much is expected.
“You all have given much to me by entrusting me and believing in my leadership of this prestigious local government, the mandate given to me to pilot this ship has been held with care and passion, this is what propelled me in given back to the community.”
Yusuf, who expressed his gratitude for the support given to him by the people of his local government in the past three years, said since the inception of his administration, a lot has been done in terms of infrastructural development.
The council boss rolled out his score card to include renovation of 40-year-old secretariat with ultra modern office complex with provision of modern equipment to make the office environment conducive for the workers, and pleasant for visitors to the council.
Others include: building a separate edifice with chamber and offices for the council’s elected legislators so as to facilitate the smooth running of affairs of the council, the ongoing construction of some roads within the local government, building of schools, yearly purchase and distribution of GCE and JAMB forms yearly, organizing summer coaching for student in junior and secondary schools, organising skill acquisition programs designed to equip people with skills, empowered them with tools and kits to set them up, among others.
According to Yusuf, “all these projects are parts of our commitment to make our people enjoyed the dividend of democracy and to ameliorate a better standard of living of our people”
Speakers after speakers at the occasion showered praises on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, Surulere council boss for their efforts in bringing the dividends of democracy to the people.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Party(APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi , said what was seen at the event showed that philosophy of the party has been upheld from the national level to the grassroots level.
“What we have all seen today is the philosophy, the scope of APC in action, the belief of bringing the dividends of democracy to the people at the national, state and local government levels. Nigeria is working under Tinubu, Lagos is working under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Surulere is working under Yusuf,” Ojelabi said, saying that the “synergy is good and we are very proud to be APC members”
Ojelabi also commended Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President for his support for Lagos State and Surulere Local Government, just as he also praised Yusuf for his achievements in his community and for the peaceful co-existence among his executive, party leaders, members of the party which has brought progress to the party and the community.
“The progress we are seeing today in Surulere Local Government would not have been possible if there is no peaceful co-existence among the council executive, party leaders, traditional rulers and members of the party “ Ojelabi said.
He added that, ”Surulere Local Government under the leadership of Yusuf, you have done excellently well and you have made us proud. We are very proud of you. That is why we are seeing sea of heads comprising of top party leaders, top traditional rulers , community leaders and members of the party today. It is great testimony that your administration is working by bringing the dividend of democracy to the people of your community. We are all behind you , we will continue to support your administration”.
At the occasion, items, tools, equipment were handed out to people just as financial grants of N100,000 each was given to 25 people.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, the council boss said the beneficiaries cut across religious and ethnic groups.
“All tribes are fully represented because we belief that APC is an all inclusive party, not for our party members only. Everybody should have sense of belonging, irrespective of tribe, religion and creed. APC is a party who shows love and care to the people. That is our philosophy, that is what we are practicing. We are a welfarist party,” Yusuf said.
