No fewer than 600 residents of Ikole West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State have benefitted from a massive empowerment initiative spearheaded by the Chairperson of the council, Mrs. Mosunmola Adeyemo, in a move that also saw over 400 opposition members officially defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The empowerment programme, held amidst a large crowd of supporters and community members, featured the distribution of cash grants and various tools including sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, kitchen utensils, farm equipment such as spraying pumps, and other tools to support artisans and small-scale business owners.
The initiative, according to Adeyemo, was aimed at enhancing local productivity and driving economic self-reliance among residents.
A major highlight of the event was the public defection of over 400 former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC. Many of the defectors hailed from key PDP strongholds such as Ilamo-Ekiti, Otunja, and members of the Igede ethnic group. They attributed their switch to the developmental strides and inclusive leadership demonstrated by Mrs. Adeyemo since assuming office.
The event was graced by prominent political figures including the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Hon. Ajibulu, Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, and the Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mr. Bayo Omojola, among other APC chieftains and traditional rulers.
Receiving the new APC members on behalf of the State Chairman of the party, Barrister Sola Elesin, Speaker Aribasoye described Mrs. Adeyemo as “a blessing to the party, the council, and the state.” He commended her for replicating the six pillars of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s shared prosperity agenda at the grassroots level, stressing that her efforts have changed the political tide in Ikole West.
Aribasoye assured the new entrants of equal treatment and opportunities within the APC and encouraged them to embrace the party’s ideology, stressing that hard work and loyalty would always be rewarded. He also reiterated the need for collective commitment towards securing a second term for Governor Oyebanji, whom he praised for his transformative governance across the state.
In her address, Mrs. Adeyemo expressed gratitude to the people for their unwavering support, acknowledging that her achievements were largely made possible by the enabling environment and backing of Governor Oyebanji. She also appreciated the support and mentorship of the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani.
According to her, the empowerment programme was deliberately structured to reach as many residents as possible, regardless of political affiliations. “Our goal is to stimulate the local economy by investing in the people directly. We want every resident to have a stake in our shared prosperity agenda,” she said.
Mrs. Adeyemo reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development and pledged continued support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration and re-election ambition. She noted that her administration would intensify efforts to promote economic independence, particularly among women and youth.
Meanwhile, youths under the Oreniwa Youth Forum lauded the Chairperson for prioritising young people through various empowerment programmes and called on other political leaders to emulate her example.
The atmosphere at the event turned celebratory as residents, including members of the Igede and Ebira communities, broke into songs of solidarity for Mrs. Adeyemo. Many described her as a “vibrant political foot soldier,” a “community developer,” and a “leader with a human face,” as they joyfully received their empowerment items.