The Member representing Irele State Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Christopher Akinwunmi Ogunlana, on Friday organised a widows’ empowerment programme and presented his legislative scorecard to constituents in Irele Local Government Area.
The event, which attracted political leaders, community stakeholders and residents from across the local government, also featured the distribution of empowerment support to widows drawn from the ten wards of the council area.
Speaking during the programme, Ogunlana, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Public Sanitation, highlighted his legislative achievements and constituency projects since assuming office. He reaffirmed his commitment to the development and welfare of the people of Irele State Constituency.
The lawmaker also used the occasion to formally declare his intention to seek a second term in office, appealing to constituents for continued support to enable him consolidate on his achievements.
The programme began with an opening prayer led by the Chairman of all Ward Chairmen in Irele Local Government, Mr. Bulu Ayodeji.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon. Segun Igbasan, Hon. Akinboyewa Oloruntusin commended Ogunlana for his dedication to the welfare of the people and described the empowerment initiative as a demonstration of responsive representation.
The Chairman of Irele Local Government, Hon. Olajide Akinfe, in his remarks, praised the lawmaker for what he described as consistent support and impactful initiatives across the constituency. He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for Ogunlana to continue delivering democratic dividends.
Also speaking, the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the council, Hon. Sunday Omojuwa, commended the lawmaker for remembering the grassroots through various developmental interventions.
The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Utility and Mobilisation, Hon. Sayo Ogunmade, also applauded Ogunlana’s contributions to community development and urged him to sustain his efforts in uplifting the people.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Olowojuni Shadrack Olorunsola, praised the lawmaker for his numerous interventions and encouraged him to continue expanding developmental initiatives in the constituency.
Other speakers at the event, including Hon. Daisi Akinrodoye, Chief Z. A. Omoge and the Vice Chairman of Irele Local Government, Hon. Ali Olaniran, commended Ogunlana for his leadership and commitment to grassroots development.
The Chief Medical Director of Irele General Hospital also expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s support to the health sector.
As part of the programme, Ogunlana donated a Digital Electrophoresis Machine to Irele General Hospital to support medical laboratory services. The equipment was received by the hospital’s laboratory technologist, Mr. Eyioluwaseme Adesoji.
A major highlight of the event was the empowerment of selected widows from across the ten wards in the local government area, aimed at improving their livelihoods and supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Fasadeju Lene thanked the lawmaker for his compassion and commitment to the welfare of widows in the area.
The programme also featured special recognitions from student bodies. The National Association of Irele Local Government Students (NAILGOS) presented Ogunlana with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to student development, while the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) honoured him with an Award of Recognition for his support for youth and education.
The event ended with commendations from community members and stakeholders who described the programme as impactful and beneficial to the people of Irele Local Government.
