The man representing Ikorodu in the lower house at the National Assembly, Hon. Jimi Benson, a young man in his 40’s, seems to be aiming really high.
He is obviously a man whose eyes are on higher political goals.
Judging by aid from his activities and the ideas he is bringing to governance especially at the grassroots, one is safe to conclude that this man may be preparing the grounds for governorship position of this great state in the years to come.
His achievements in the past twenty (20) months are as if we never had any representation in the past at that national assembly, which of course is false. He seems to be challenging seriously the indelible record of Abike Dabiri, our three term representative at the federal House of Representatives.
Hon. Jimi Benson on a weekly and monthly basis is introducing one thing or the other, one innovation or another while his programmes for the people center on teaching them how to fish rather than feeding them with fish.
He is also focusing on empowerment of women through their empowerment. At a popular event center, Regal Hall on February 25, 2017, Jimi gathered his constituents to surprise them with his well packaged programme to uplift them from this recession.
The first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has commended women politicians in All Progressive Congress (APC), Ikorodu division for their roles in the last general elections in the country.
She made the commendation on Saturday, February 25, 2017 during the APC women Appreciation Day organized by I Care Foundation of Hon. Babajimi Benson, which was held at Regal Hall, Olu-Odo road, Ikorodu.
While addressing the mammoth crowd of women in politics from the APC, Mrs. Ambode said that their contribution to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large was outstanding. In her words, “I felicitate with all mothers and those, who continue to advocate for the development of the girl child and children in general. Women remain the backbone of every succeeding establishment and the importance of our input standing from managing our individual homes, down to our different work places and to political engagements, cannot be overemphasized.”
“Undoubtedly, the dedication and support of the women of Ikorodu division contributed significantly to our party’s success at the last general elections,” she stated.
The first lady, who was very happy to be part of the celebration of women at the event, disclosed that her husband, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, believes strongly in the strength and capabilities of women and that this has been confirmed by the people oriented initiatives of his administration.
This is what she said, “It is the desire of this administration to carry the women along through economic empowerment programmes. There is no gain saying the fact that despite the contribution of women to the society, we remain the most vulnerable. So, I urge all men to join in the effort to empower, encourage and emancipate the women folk,” she said.
Mrs. Ambode concluded her remarks by congratulating the awardees of the day for being women achievers and reminded them (those alive) that the reward for hardwork is more work. She also urged the women not to relent in their efforts, especially on the expected local government election in the state.
In his address, Hon. Babajimi Benson revealed that the APC women appreciation day was initiative and his I Care Foundation to appreciate his political party women for their support and consistency during and after his electioneering campaign and inauguration of elected office holders.
According to him, “I personally believe that without Ikorodu division women, there wouldn’t have been Babajimi Benson. I thank you greatly for the trust you reposed in me, your confidence and your belief in our party, APC”, he stated.
Hon. Benson, therefore, pointed out that most I Care Foundation programmes and activities were carefully selected and carried out in such a way that women always benefited more. He said that the startup Ikorodu initiative of his foundation, forty five (45) women were among the eighty (80) graduands of the programe.
Speaking further, he said that more than five hundred women had benefited from I Care Foundation food bank (Apo Anu) while interest spring-up scheme aimed at empowering women to be self-sufficient was doing well.
He also talked about back to school project, which provides conducive learning atmosphere for public school student in Ikorodu division. Benson also assured market women that very soon, I Care Foundation project tagged (Ata-jere) would be initiated for their benefits.
While commending Governor Ambode and his wife, Hon. Benson promised on behalf of himself and his foundation that they would continue to do their best to fight for the wellbeing and progress of women in Ikorodu division and beyond.
In his words, “I advise you women to please take good care of your health, pay attention to your children as they are our future leaders and continue to support me and our great party. We have recognized today your sacrifices and we urge that you continue to contribute your best for the community development. This would be an annual event to reward and celebrate your service and dedication. I thank you for being part of today; I celebrate you,” he concluded.
Earlier, Jumoke Benson, wife of Jimi Benson and members of I Care Foundation led by Deen Sanwoola, had commended Ikorodu women in APC for their dedication and commitment to the development of the division and Lagos. They pointed out that the women’s achievement, which put Ikorodu in the third position in the Governorship election result of year 2015, had proved women to be the heroines of that election. They also urged the women not to relent since a lot is still needed to be achieved.
During the presentation of awards, the gathering was thrown into remembrance mood when the posthumous award of Chief (Mrs.) Folake Adufe, (Iya Kalokalo) was announced amongst the awardees of the day.
Deen Sanwoola explained to the gathering that the party leader was dead but her legacies lives on. I Care Foundation and many party loyalists would not forget her. According to him, this prompted her inclusion amongst the recipients and her children were ready to receive the posthumous award of their late mother. Therefore, her daughter, Igbogbo Yemi, received the award from Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, who made the presentation for I Care Foundation.
Oher awardees of the day include, Women Leader, I Care Foundation, Mrs. Kehinde Oke-Owo; former Lagos State SSG, Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya; member SUBEB Board, Mrs. Careana Olabimpe; former chairman, Ijede LCDA, Chief (Mrs.) Iyalode Fausat Gbadebo; former Lagos State House of Assembly Aspirant and APC loyalist, Princess Folashade Olabanji Oba; a woman who empowers the youths in Ikorodu, Mrs. Tosan Erogbogbo and the winner of Face of Nigeria (FWG), Miss Yetunde Savage.
There were other side attractions during the event like special presentation by talented youths, head gear game, bag game, dancing competition, etc. There was also light refreshments, where women were lavishly catered for with more than enough delicious meals and assorted drinks. The host, Jimi Benson, wife and others took over the dancing floor and danced till night.
Dignitaries at the occasion included, the Deputy, Government of Lagos State, represented by former commissioner for Education, Barrister (Mrs.) Olafunke Oladunjoye; Tutor-General, Education District II, Mrs. Titilayo Solarin, among other APC loyalists.