The People of Irepodun local government area of Kwara state had cause to smile recently when one of their sons, Engr. Nurudeen Demola Banu, a serving commissioner for finance in Kwara state doled out dividends of democracy to them.

The ceremony which took place at Ajase-Ipo, attracted beneficiaries, captains of industries, businessmen, bankers, friends and associates and politicians from far and near.

The commissioner's empowerment programme which was the second in one year, featured the distribution of twelve motorcycles to commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada riders, the donation of N200,000 monthly to all the eleven wards in Irepodun local government and another N200,000 to the artisans as revolving loan.

Speaking after the presentation of the items and money to the lucky beneficiaries, Engr. Banu said that he decided to empower his people as a way of giving glory to God.

He said the N200,000 he gave out to the wards is expected to revolve around the eleven wards in the local government, adding, "I also gave N200,000 to transporters so that they can use the money as micro-credit among themselves. I also gave out N150,000 to all the youths in the local government, I gave N150,000 to women in the local government, I also gave N150,000 to elders, so the empowerment cuts across, it depends on where you fall. You can see that our people are happy because they know that this government is a government of the people irrespective of the party you belong to".

The commissioner noted that, "in a situation like this, you need to realise that you are not the best; you should know that God just want to bless you. I used to remember that those underprivileged people also have the right to minimum standard of living. So it is incumbent on us who are holding political offices, who are fortunate to be comfortable to remember that these people also have the right to good living too".

He thanked Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki for mandating all the political office holders in the state to carry out empowerment programmes in their respective constituencies so that dividends of democracy could further get to the doorsteps of the people of the state.

The commissioner disclosed that the programme would be sustained on yearly basis.

The state governor, Alh. AbdulFatah Ahmed who was represented by the commissioner for Sports, Barrister Kayode Towoju, commended the sustainability of the initiative as directed and urged all the political office holders in the state to follow suit.

He said this became necessary to justify the confidence reposed in the state government by the electorate who gave the public officers the mandate to rule the state.

He restated the determination of his administration to continue to give priority attention to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.

In his remarks, the state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Ishola Balogun Fulani said the party is proud of the donor, describing him as a good ambassador of the party.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Amuda Yesuf thanked Banu for his kind gesture and urged other politicians in the state to emulate his good example. He said if politicians are not self- centered and cpuld give back to the community, like the finance commissioner, poverty would drastically reduce, and level of insecurity too.