The lawmaker representing Gbonyin and Aiyekire constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Princess Teju Okuyiga, has once again reaffirmed her strong commitment to grassroots development and inclusive representation with an extensive Christmas and New Year outreach that brought relief and joy to hundreds of residents across the constituency.
The large scale empowerment programme, held on December 24, 2025, at her constituency office in Aisegba, was widely attended by political leaders, traditional authorities, religious figures and community members from different wards and towns within the local government area.
Popularly known among her constituents as Asoju Ayiye, a name that reflects her visible impact and quality representation in the legislature, Okuyiga said the outreach was part of her long standing resolve to ensure that governance delivers tangible benefits to the people at the grassroots. She noted that the festive season provided an important opportunity to demonstrate compassion, reconnect with the people and extend practical support to families grappling with economic hardship.
The lawmaker explained that Christmas is not only a time for celebration but also a period that calls for deep reflection on love, sacrifice and shared responsibility within society. According to her, leadership goes beyond making laws and motions, stressing that true representation must touch lives directly, especially those of widows, the elderly and other vulnerable groups who often bear the brunt of economic challenges.
During the distribution exercise, no fewer than 150 widows and 100 vulnerable individuals were empowered with a combination of cash gifts and essential food items, including rice and salt. Okuyiga said the choice of beneficiaries was deliberate, noting that widows and vulnerable persons require consistent support and inclusion in community development efforts, particularly during festive periods when household needs are usually higher.
She further disclosed that the outreach extended beyond individual beneficiaries, as food items and other support materials were distributed across all ten wards and nine towns in Gbonyin and Aiyekire constituency. This, she said, was aimed at ensuring fairness, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging among residents, regardless of political affiliation, age or social status.
The lawmaker emphasized that the empowerment initiative was not a one off gesture, but part of a broader strategy to strengthen social welfare at the grassroots and complement government efforts in improving the quality of life of citizens. She added that empowering people at the local level remained one of the most effective ways to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
Okuyiga also announced that the season of celebration would continue with a Christmas gathering scheduled to hold at her residence on December 25, 2025. She described the gathering as an avenue to further interact with constituents in a relaxed and festive atmosphere, while reinforcing unity and communal harmony among residents of the constituency. She charged her constituents to remain in the high spirit of support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including ward chairmen from different parts of the constituency, leaders of the All Progressives Congress at the local government level, traditional chiefs, religious leaders and party faithful. Who explained that they represent the broad support base of the lawmaker whom they said enjoys acceptability across political and social divides.
Among the ward chairmen in attendance were representatives from Aisegba, Ijan, Iluomoba, Egbe, Agbado, Imesi, as well as Ode wards one, two and three. They commended Okuyiga for her consistency in engaging the people and for maintaining an open door policy that has strengthened communication between the lawmaker and her constituents.
The All Progressives Congress local government chairman, Pastor Tokunbo Akinyeye and other religious leaders present, offered prayers for the lawmaker and praised her for using her position to uplift the less privileged. They described the outreach as timely, impactful and reflective of responsible leadership.
Traditional chiefs and community leaders who attended the programme also expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s respect for traditional institutions and her efforts at promoting unity and development within their communities. They noted that her regular consultations and interventions have contributed to peaceful coexistence across Gbonyin and Aiyekire.
Several beneficiaries, particularly widows and vulnerable persons, expressed gratitude to Okuyiga, describing the support as a major relief that would help them celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year with dignity. Many of them said the lawmaker’s gesture restored hope and reaffirmed their belief in people centered leadership.
Party leaders and observers at the event remarked that such initiatives help to bridge the gap between elected officials and the electorate, while also deepening trust in democratic governance. They noted that Okuyiga’s approach to representation has continued to set a standard for grassroots engagement in the constituency.
She urged residents to embrace peace, unity and mutual support during the festive season and beyond, expressing optimism that with collective effort and sustained engagement, Gbonyin and Aiyekire constituency would continue to witness meaningful development and improved living conditions for all.