Features

How Oyebanji is giving succour to the downtrodden through ‘OjuseBAO’

WHEN governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji popularly called BAO by his admirers, took over as governor of Ekiti state in 2022, he made it clear right from the inauguration ground that his administration would be for the good of people of the state.

To achieve this, he developed and released a six-point agenda which he said would form the basis of his policies and programmes towards improving lives and livelihood of the people of Ekiti State.

No doubt, as the governor celebrates his two years in office, the administration in the last 24 months has made significant impacts in critical sectors of the economy with provision of infrastructures, supporting agriculture for food security, investment in human capital development, and health, among others.

Aside the regular payment of salaries and pensions including gratuities to pensioner, the priority placed on the welfare of all categories of the citizens, especially those in the informal sector, are worthy of note which has in no small measure made the people at the grassroots felt the impact of goverment through the creation of the OjuseBAO initiative, with over one hundred million naira expended on the project so far.

OjuseBAO is one of those critical programmes designed by the administration to support the people and make an impact in the lives of the people. Governor Oyebanji himself launched this initiative in March 2023 with the aim of tackling social economic issues affecting the people across the state.

The programme focuses on supporting the needy by providing assistance in critical areas, such as health, education, human capital development and entrepreneurship. It also encourages and funds business start-ups, just as it empowers skilled indigents.

The governor believes that the initiative would ensure fair and equitable distribution of state resources among the underprivilaged Since its inception, OjuseBAO has brought succour to the downtrodden through its various operational arms.

Speaking on the operational arms of the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant, Governor’s Office, Mrs Olusola Abe, said the programme since inception has provided technical, education, business, medical, among other supports, for over 370 indigent residents across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state in over a year since it was created.

Aside from the monthly disbursement of cash to indigent residents to meet up their needs, including payment of hospital bills and school fees, professional equipment like sewing machines, salon gadgets, refrigerators, and other tools were provided for beneficiaries to provide them with sustainable livelihoods.

Abe revealed that the administration of Governor Oyebanji was committed to uplifting the lives of people to fight poverty and strengthen a more inclusive and equitable society in line with the government’s shared prosperity agenda.

She maintained that the programme has made the people to have more trust and confidence in the government due to the modalities in picking the beneficiaries which is devoid of political considerations. “We even visited some of these beneficiaries in their villages and homes to deliver the support package.”

According to her, “The initiative has been focusing on the provision of essential technical tools to indigent individuals who face challenges at acquiring the necessary equipment to improve and enhance their technical work. Through this initiative, the governor has positively impacted the lives of over a hundred individuals, foster business growth and enhance technical skills across the state.” Explaining further, Abe said through the scheme, many indigent students have been supported. “We are providing financial assistance to indigent students in tertiary institutions who are unable to pay their tuition fees. More than a hundred students have benefited from this opportunity provided by the governor; she said, adding that indigent individuals with innovative ideas and strong potential, but who lack the financial resources to bring their business visions to life are aslo being supported. “Through this initiative, the financial capacities of various families have been strengthened, and many creative minds have been empowered, leading to a reduction of unemployment across the state.”

But this is not all. According to Abe, many residents of the state have enjoyed “specialized medical care, funded surgeries and provision of essential mobility aids for those in need of them. Many indigent residents of Ekiti State have benefited through this initiative.The payment for indigent patients was not limited to government hospitals but to private specialized hospitals. Also, physically challenged persons are receiving attention from this programme.

“Let me also say that we are offering financial assistance to individuals within the state who are unable to finish their building projects, those who suffered property losses, or those affected by natural disasters were not left out.”

When asked on how the programme is being received by the people, the governor’s aide said the people loved it. “Those that have received the support from the government, have been telling us it has changed their stories. You have people we gave sewing machines and said they have bought extra based on the one we gave them.

“We have those we gave cassava grinding machines; they have engaged more staff for their operations, which serve as an empowerment. We have recorded success stories in this initiative.”

The commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the OjuseBAO initiative is a , “testament to Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the lives of the underprivileged and building a brighter future for all residents in Ekiti towards achieving the shared prosperity agenda.”

One of the beneficiaries, Oluwasegun Aina, who received support for his school fees, commended the administration of Oyebanji for the initiative which he said was instrumental in the progress he has recorded in his educational career.

'Yomi Ayeleso