Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has distributed over 13 million naira to 48 vulnerable beneficiaries through the Ojuse BAO initiative. The recipients, drawn from radio program callers and those who wrote letters seeking assistance, received support on Thursday for tuition fees, technical needs, health challenges, and startups.
Since the program’s inception last year, over 500 vulnerable residents have benefitted. The initiative, overseen by Mrs. Sola Abe, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor’s Office, includes a robust feedback mechanism. A periodic monitoring and evaluation exercise (M&E), conducted three months after each disbursement, assesses the impact of the governor’s generosity.
Mrs. Sola Abe emphasized that the initiative transcends religious, political, ethnic, or gender biases. She assured prospective beneficiaries that their requests would be attended to, provided they meet the critical requirements. Unlike previous disbursements where money was given directly, the office now collaborates with certified vendors to supply the requested items.
For medical and school fees, payments are made directly to the respective institutions.
In separate interviews, beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the governor, describing him as God-sent. Miss Afolalu Moyiooluwa expressed delight upon receiving a cheque to clear her outstanding school fees, enabling her to complete her studies. This reinforces Governor Oyebanji’s education drive to maintain and sustain the ethos the state is known for as the fountain of knowledge.
Mrs. Ayeni Esther Ayinka received funds to address her health challenges, which had hindered her business and family commitments. This aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s improved healthcare policies aimed at making health services affordable, accessible, and well-equipped.
Mrs. Ilemobayo Temitayo was provided with cartons of soft drinks and other provisions to assist her business, reflecting improved entrepreneurial initiatives for MSMEs in the state and the governor’s no capital flight policy.
Similarly, Mr. Bunmi Emmanuel Bamidele, a farmer, received an irrigation machine to improve his crop yield, addressing a long-standing challenge of water scarcity. This corroborates the improvements and massive investment in the state’s agriculture and food security sector.Others numbering over 10 went home with industrial sewing machines,grinding machines,deep freezers and more.
The Ojuse BAO initiative continues to make a significant impact, providing much-needed support and opportunities to the people of Ekiti State.
