Hon. Babajide Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of the house of representative as earned himself ‘an open-cheque’ endorsements by party leaders, monarchs and residents of Ikorodu Federal Constituency for his caring heart constituent empowerment initiative and quality representation at the lower chamber.
Torrents of accolades and endorsements were poured on the young and dynamic Federal lawmaker from visibly excited constituents who were either beneficiaries or witnesses of the mega empowerment initiative of the lawmaker on the 16th of July in Ebute, Ikorodu.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi commended the initiative and reiterated that Hon. Jimi Benson truly has a heart for the people of Ikorodu. The monarch endorsed Honourable Benson to run for second term and urged the people to vote for him, stressing that Jimi Benson truly deserves their votes.Other monarchs at the event also joined the Ayangbure of Ikorodu to formally endorse Hon Jimi Benson, with all of them stretching their horsetail as a sign of agreement and endorsement of his candidature.
Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya, former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and cheiftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC stated that Honourable Jimi should keep up the good work and come 2019, he has the women of Ikorodu division backing him up.
The Chairman, Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS), and an aspiring Senator for Lagos East Senatorial district Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru said “This program will alleviate poverty, not only in Ikorodu but Lagos State. And this will take almost 1000 people off the street roaming aimlessly”.
Speaking on behalf of all Ikorodu division’s APC Chairmen, Alhaji Lobinto, Chairman, APC Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA expressed his happiness and that of other part chairmen in the division on the quality representation and empowerment initiative of Honorable Jimi Benson. He added that, the question should not be about if Hon Jimi Benson is getting another term but, the fact that they are giving him multiple endorsements for him to occupy the Ikorodu Federal Constituency seat as many times as he wants.
A constituent, Mrs Suleiman Halimat, women leader of Arewa United, Ikorodu Division said she and her group are grateful to Hon. Benson for counting them worthy as beneficiaries of the empowerment. A women leader of the Ndigbos, Chief Mrs Victoria Eze also commended Hon Jimi Benson for his effort in bringing all residents of Ikorodu together, irrespective of tribe or religion and thanked him for not leaving the Igbos out of the empowerment initiative.
Groups that benefited from the initiative includes the Hairdressers association, Tailors association, Okada Riders association, Vulcanizers association among several individuals. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude assured Hon. Jimi Benson of their votes come 2019.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Oba Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Shotobi Kabiru and the Ayangburen in council, Olubeshe of Ibeshe land, a former Lagos SSG, Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya, wife of the lawmaker Mrs Jumoke Benson, a former commissioner for Housing Hon. Bimpe Akinsola, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Chief Bashorun and a host of others.
In a brief remark at the event, Hon. Jimi Benson appreciated everyone present at the event and urged them to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). He also recalled some of his achievements in the past three years, which includes ths construction of eight(8) schools, an ICT center to train one thousand (1000) students in a month and the center was named Prince Ogunleye ICT center, five (5) transformers in different areas of Ikorodu and a Grader with Roller in all the CDAs.
According to Hon. Jimi Benson, the initiative is to alleviate poverty and increase the means of livelihood for the people of Ikorodu especially the women and youths. Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries included Gas cookers, Sewing machines, Motor bikes, Vulcarnizer machines, Refrigerator, Hair-drying machines, Generator sets and kitchen utensils.
Hon. Benson also called on the attention of the Chairman of the party for the need of an additional Federal Constituency seat for Ikorodu Division. He stated this, based on the size of the constituency compared to others with fewer wards and more Federal Constituency seats.