Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi has declared that giving motorcycles, clippers and grinding machines as a form of empowerment is not the best way for politicians to empower their constituents.
Akinremi who represents Ibadan North Federal Constituency made this disclosure while addressing journalists on Sunday in Ibadan.
The APC chieftain while speaking shortly after a town hall meeting with his constituents and graduation of over 250 constituents who were trained in different vocational skills, insisted that politicians should find ways to assist thier constituents in order to come out of poverty.
Dignitaries who were present during the presentation of certificates and start up kits and materials to the trainees included APC chairperson in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Mrs. Tinu Adigun, Alhaji B.A. Oladeji and former Chairman of TCTC, Mr. Sina Alabi among others.
Akinremi while addressing journalists, added that the best way to allow constituents feel the impact of their representatives is to equip them with vocational training and skills which will make them financially independent.
He advised other lawmakers and politicians, that empowering constituents with motorcycles, clippers, grinding machines and other materials things is not enough.
He advised other lawmakers and politicians, that empowering constituents with motorcycles, clippers, grinding machines and other materials things is not enough.
He enjoined his colleagues to be more interested in developing women and youths, suggesting that this is one of the ways to address the growing insecurity and unemployment in the country.
“Giving people motorcycles, clippers and grinding machines is not enough to empower constituents. Give them scholarships and give them training.
“Empowerment is about assisting people and equip them with what they do no have and to make them financially independent and come out of poverty. That is why I said that our people should change their mentality.
“If you give people money, they can spend it anyhow, they may not use it for the purpose you are giving them, but, if you give people training, nobody will collect it from them.
“Since I became Ibadan North Federal Constituency representatives in 2019, I have purchased JAMB forms for 1, 045 students, training of people on how to make money is one of the best way I am talking about.
It is better than giving people money. People can spend the money anyhow, they may not even take the money home, especially men, they may spend it on beers, women, lottery or any other things. But, if you give them training, nobody will collect it from them.
“I am more interested in developing women and youth capacity, as we know our women have a lot of jobs to do, you find them in the markets, what I know is that most of our women helped their husbands at home, so because of this when you empower women, it is like you empower the whole family.
“I will tell you that what we are giving to these women today, if you give it to men, theye may take it to the beer parlor, he may use it to eat or take it to Baba Ijebu, the children and the wife at home may not even benefit from them. But, these people, we have trained them we also give them money to start the business. Definitely, the children and the husband and the entire family will benefit from them.”
