Lawmaker representing Yagba West in the Kogi State House of Assembly and Minority Leader, Hon. Ibikunle Idowu, has defended distribution of motorcycle tyres to commercial riders in his constituency, saying that the gesture was aimed to cushion the economic hardship.
Reacting to a viral video circulating on social media during the week, the lawmaker clarified the context and purpose of the empowerment programme done in 2023.
In the video footage, Hon. Idowu was seen distributing motorcycle tyres to commercial riders in Yagba West, an act which attracted mixed reactions from the public.
While some critics have questioned the relevance of the initiative, the lawmaker described the empowerment program as a response to fuel subsidy removal two years ago.
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Speaking with journalists, Hon. Idowu said that the empowerment program was conducted in August 2023, barely two months after he was sworn in as a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly.
He noted that the initiative was launched at the peak of the fuel subsidy removal crisis, which led to a sharp increase in the cost of transportation and a general economic strain on the people.
“The programme was not a recent one, as some are trying to make it seem,” Idowu stated. “It was an initiative specifically designed for commercial motorcycle riders in Yagba West at a time when transportation fares had become unbearable due to the removal of fuel subsidy.
“At that period, the people were struggling with high transport costs, and I felt the need to step in and provide support where it was most needed”.
The legislator also said that 50 commercial motorcycle riders benefitted from the initiative, with each receiving brand-new tyres, cash token and food items to ease their financial burdens.
“In addition, seven motorcycles were donated to the local transport association, a gesture aimed at further empowering the transport sector in Yagba West”.
He also said that the goal of the programme was not just to give out items but to bring about a tangible reduction in transport costs, which he said impacted the lives of people in the Yagba West state constituency.
Reacting to criticisms that followed the viral video, Hon. Idowu dismissed claims that the initiative was inadequate, insisting that the programme was well-received by beneficiaries.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yagba West, promising to continue supporting initiatives that empower his constituents.
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