The Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, has empowered 100 women and youths with ₦10 million and donated a patrol vehicle to the Funbi-Fagun Police Division to enhance security operations across the council area.
According to a statement issued by the Supervisor for Education, Information and Social Services, Hon. Michael Akinduro, the initiatives were part of the council’s efforts to promote economic empowerment, strengthen community development and support security agencies.
The empowerment programme, held on Tuesday at the Ondo West Local Government Secretariat, saw fifty women and fifty youths receive ₦100,000 each to support their businesses, livelihoods and other economic activities.
The statement said the intervention aligns with the efforts of the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration to support women and youths across the political wards and promote greater economic inclusion at the grassroots.
Speaking at the event, Akinfolarin said the empowerment programme was designed to provide beneficiaries with practical financial support while encouraging them to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In a related development, the council chairman officially presented a security and patrol vehicle to the Funbi-Fagun Police Division in collaboration with residents’ associations to improve surveillance, security operations and rapid response across communities.
Akinfolarin expressed appreciation to Late Baba Lisa, Mama Jolaco, Noah Oyeneyin, Patrick Akinkuotu, Easy Motion, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Wesley University and other individuals and institutions whose contributions helped make the initiatives possible.
The Iyaloja of Ondo Kingdom, Chief Mrs. Bukola Akinniyi, who spoke on behalf of the women beneficiaries, commended the initiative and expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the council chairman for the gesture.
The Area Commander, Ondo, ACP T.Y. Pykinson, also commended Akinfolarin for supporting the police with the patrol vehicle. He appealed to the chairman to consider extending similar assistance to other police divisions, including Enu-Owa and Yaba.
The Divisional Police Officer of Funbi-Fagun Police Division, SP Ogini Cornelius, said the vehicle would significantly enhance police operations, noting that the division has jurisdiction over more than fifteen villages and several communities.
Also speaking, Comrade Olaitan Aseyege of End to Miscreants appreciated the council chairman for the donation, saying it would help curb criminal activities and improve security across Ondo West. He equally described the empowerment programme as a meaningful intervention for beneficiaries.
The statement noted that the event was attended by the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Alhaji Basiru Oluwole; Secretary to the Local Government, Chief Mrs. Abimbola Oshifeso; Head of Local Government Administration, Prince Adeyemi Ojomo; Director of Finance and Supplies, Pastor Marcus Akinduko; supervisors and advisers, NULGE Chairman Comrade Adejoke Olanrewaju, among other dignitaries.
The statement concluded that the initiatives demonstrate the commitment of the Ondo West Local Government administration to economic inclusion, women and youth development, community partnerships, effective policing and improved security for residents.
