The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has highlighted the effectiveness of the ‘Hand of Fellowship’ initiatives carried out by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the party’s return in Osun State.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of the ‘Oyetola Hand of Fellowship’ empowerment program in Modakeke on Sunday, he expressed that the people of Osun are eager to witness the party’s comeback and take charge of the state’s affairs.
The ‘Oyetola Hand of Fellowship’ initiative was orchestrated by Engr. Kayode Sowade. This quarterly empowerment program, launched in 2023, aims to empower less-privileged residents of Osun every three months for the next three years.
This is even as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola extolled Sowade’s giving spirit and sense of commitment to humanity.
The Minister, represented by former Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives, Investment, and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, noted that the sustained success of the program testified to the dedication of the progressive family to the cause of humanity.
He said: “This programme is erected on three pillars as it teaches three lessons. First, it tells us that once upon a time there was a government led by the Progressive Party that was conscious of the welfare and general wellbeing of the people. It shows that there was a government in Osun that put the vulnerable and the needy at heart and that was the government of Oyetola.
“Secondly, this programme tells us that as we do not forget the memory of a government that took care of the vulnerable citizens the government will return to power. And that there’s a need for us to continue to observe the good gesture as a progressive family.
“So, I want to assure our people that by the grace of God, our party is coming back to power to continue the good works that we are known for.
Addressing journalists, the organiser of the programme, Sowade attributed the continuity of the programme to his unwavering commitment to giving back to the people particularly the vulnerable and the needy.
Sowade who acknowledged the present socioeconomic reality in the country, called on the citizens to exercise patience saying ‘tough times never last.’
According to him, the motivation behind the programme is to follow the legacy of Oyetola which, during his administration as governor of the state, provided food and needs for the vulnerable.
A beneficiary, Mr Rufus Oyedeji, who is visually impaired, spoke with journalists and commended Sowade’s benevolent actions. He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to follow in these footsteps, emphasizing the importance of such gestures for building a better society.
