Key stakeholders in ONDO state including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, traditional rulers and political leaders have described as unprecedented and commendable, the recent Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment programme for Ondo central senatorial district funded by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN.
The Stakeholders spoke during the empowerment programme held at the Dome International Event Centre, Akure on Monday 8th December, 2025 and over 900 constituents benefited.
The Senator distributed items such as tricycles, motorcycles, books, generators, sewing machines, freezers, industrial machines, wheelchairs, dryers, and more.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa applauded Senator Adegbonmire for his unprecedented initiative of giving back to the people who have shown tremendous faith in him to represent them at the National Assembly.
According to the Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Babatunde Kolawole the present administration believes that, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, good governance must touch lives in meaningful ways.
Aiyedatiwa stated that programmes that create livelihood opportunities, enhance self-reliance, and prepare citizens to compete and succeed in an ever-evolving world align perfectly with this vision.
He added that the initiative underscores a shared resolve to build a society where progress is inclusive and prosperity is not the privilege of a few, but is extended to all citizens.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor urged them to make good use of the opportunity and embrace the tools placed in their hands, saying:
“Let them become the foundation upon which you build stories of success for yourself, your families, and your communities.
“Each tool provided, each beneficiary supported, and each skill imparted is a seed planted in the fertile soil of Ondo Central Senatorial District.
“As we gather here today, it is pertinent to state that empowerment is not a destination but a journey. It calls for perseverance, collaboration, and continued faith in what we can achieve together.”
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, also lauded the senator, saying he had shown uncommon commitment to service.
The traditional ruler said: “If he wants to do something, he will make sure he does it right. This is not just empowerment; it is mega empowerment. The items on display show that this is real and impactful.”
The monarch added that the senator had earned his political elevation through hard work, despite coming from a respected political lineage.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Olu Abo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, described the senator as a man who empowers with dignity.
“My son, Senator Adegbonmire, is doing a fantastic thing in Ondo State. He empowers people to earn a living with self-respect. He is not like those who humiliate you before helping you.”
The elder statesman prayed for a successful tenure for the senator and warned beneficiaries against selling the items given to them.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Yayi-Akorede, also commended the senator’s continued support for the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District.
“What you are seeing today is just a small part of what he has been doing. He is representing his constituents very well, and we appreciate him,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ade Adetimehin, said the senator had distinguished himself beyond the traditional roles expected of a federal lawmaker.
According to him, although legislators do not control federal funds, Adegbonmire has demonstrated rare commitment to delivering tangible benefits to his constituents.
“It is evident that the senator has done amazingly well. The duty of a legislator is to make laws and provide oversight, but Senator Adegbonmire has gone far beyond that. Today, we have a Federal Teaching Hospital because of his efforts,” he said.
Adetimehin noted that the senator’s commitment was inspired by the legacy of his father, the late High Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, whom he described as a mentor and role model.
He added that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had on two occasions praised Adegbonmire’s intellect and legislative quality.
“Senator Adegbonmire is the only SAN among the 109 senators, and that is why he chairs the Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Committee. His reputation in the Senate is solid. If you go to the National Assembly and mention his name, people will tell you who he is.”
The APC Chairman urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items given to them.
In his earlier address, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, explaining that the empowerment programme was borne out of his desire to give back to the Ondo Central Senatorial District.
Adegbonmire paid glowing tributes to his late father, High Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, who served as Secretary to the State Government during the administration of Governor Adebayo Adefarati.
He described his late father as his mentor and source of inspiration, whose legacy spurred him into politics and into providing the dividends of democracy for his constituents.
He said: “Today is a special day for me in the sense that I feel fulfilled. When I came in this morning, I told myself that I have made my dad proud.
“For those who knew my father well, he started politics in 1952. He could not afford to go to secondary school but vowed to go into politics to ensure that nobody faced the same fate.
“As I stand before you today, my father is the senator, not me, because if my father had not been in politics, I would not have been in politics today. That is why I feel extremely fulfilled today,” Adegbonmire said.
“We have 65 wards in Ondo Central, and all the wards are represented here. A minimum of approximately 10 people per ward, so you are looking at a minimum of 650 people who are to be empowered by these items.
The lawmakers added that ” We are also empowering about 200 widows, artisans, and market women with cash. So ultimately, cash is about 200 people, items about 650 people, so approximately 850-900 people.
He said that the empowerment was meant “to give something back to my constituents, the yearnings of the people, like I always say, you must listen to your people. And as you all know, I think I’ve just spent about two and a half years in the Senate.
” Like I always tell people, in 2023, we couldn’t do much because of the budget, everything was running. So effectively, this is the first one year of representation. And I thought that it was important, therefore, that I show gratitude to my constituents by helping them to fish rather than give them fish. And if you look at all of these items, you can use them to generate income.
” The cash incentive is for them to put it back into their businesses. As you can see, it says mega empowerment for renewed hope. That is the slogan of the President. As a member of the APC and as a member of the National Assembly, I am happy to continue to support Mr. President because I think he’s doing very well.
#
