By Peter Dansu It was a day of joy, gratitude, and celebration at the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, as the Deputy Chief Whip o...
It was a day of joy, gratitude, and celebration at the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Member representing Badagry Constituency II, Hon. (Engr.) Setonji David, hosted a mega empowerment programme that left his constituents beaming with excitement and appreciation.
The event, which drew a massive crowd of residents, traditional rulers, political leaders, artisans, traders, and youths, was a colourful display of community unity and progress. The atmosphere was electric, with music, dance, and applause echoing as hundreds of beneficiaries received life-changing empowerment items.
In a bold move to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship, Hon. Setonji David distributed an impressive array of empowerment tools, including deep freezers, sewing machines, grinding machines, barbing kits, large generator sets, and cash grants of ₦50,000 to over 250 beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various wards across Badagry Local Government and Olorunda Local Council Development Area, cut across small business owners, artisans, women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Setonji David explained that the initiative stemmed from his passion to uplift the vulnerable and ensure that constituents become more self-reliant.
“This empowerment is my humble contribution to reducing poverty in our communities. It is part of our collective effort to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on empowering citizens and restoring confidence in governance,” Setonji said.
Now serving his third term at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Setonji used the occasion to highlight some of his achievements over the past decade. These include road rehabilitation projects, school building constructions, drainage works, social welfare programmes, employment facilitation, and continuous empowerment schemes.
He thanked the people of Badagry Constituency II for their unwavering support and assured them of his continued commitment to service.
“Your confidence in me is the reason I strive to do more. I remain dedicated to the growth and progress of Badagry. Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more prosperous constituency,” he affirmed.
APC Chairman Commends Lawmaker’s Leadership
The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who graced the event, described the empowerment programme as a clear demonstration of the APC’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises.
“This empowerment is a fulfillment of our campaign pledges to the people of Badagry,” Ojelabi said. “Hon. Setonji David has done remarkably well, and we are proud of him. This is the first empowerment of its kind by any lawmaker in Badagry, and he has truly made our party proud.”
The APC Chairman also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, which, according to him, has made tertiary education accessible to children from low- and middle-income families.
In his remarks, Ojelabi urged the people of Badagry to continue supporting the APC government and resist attempts by certain political actors to undermine the party’s progress. He took a subtle jab at an unnamed former minister, whom he accused of betrayal despite benefitting greatly from President Tinubu’s mentorship and political generosity.
“We must not be deceived by those who benefited from our leader and now seek to undermine him. Their moral standing is questionable, and I urge our people to reject such entreaties,” he declared.
One of the most emotional moments of the event came when Pastor Ojelabi presented a deep freezer to a visually impaired beneficiary, Mr. Oladipupo Olasunkanmi, on behalf of Hon. Setonji David. Deeply moved by the lawmaker’s gesture, the APC Chairman personally donated ₦250,000 to Mr. Olasunkanmi to further support his business efforts, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
The day ended in a festive mood as beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Setonji David for his generosity and commitment to their welfare. For many, the empowerment items signified not just material support but renewed hope for a better future.
In the words of one beneficiary, “This is not just empowerment, it is restoration. Hon. Setonji has given us tools to work and a reason to believe again.”
With his latest gesture, Hon. Setonji David once again demonstrated that leadership is not about holding office but about touching lives and building people. Badagry, indeed, witnessed a day of joy and empowerment that will be remembered for years to come.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries and political figures, including traditional rulers from both Olorunda and Badagry Local Governments, the State Secretary and Vice Chairman of the APC, and top government officials.
Also in attendance were Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, Chairman of Olorunda LCDA; Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Chairman of Badagry Local Government (represented by Dr. Sewedo Samuel); Mr. Tolani Sule, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education; Hon. Solomon Bonu, Member representing Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos Assembly; as well as former local government chairmen, party leaders, women, and youth groups.
The atmosphere was one of unity, gratitude, and hope, as residents hailed Hon. Setonji David for his people-centered leadership and continuous efforts to make life better for his constituents.
As the programme drew to a close, the recurring sentiment among attendees was clear: Hon. Setonji David has not only raised the bar for public service in Badagry but has reaffirmed his place as a compassionate leader truly committed to the welfare of his people.
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