Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiru Idris, has marked his 50th birthday by presenting several residents with economic and social empowerment support crowned with the inauguration of the Tinubu/Ododo Continuity Support Group in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East local government area.
The multi-faceted programme was a blend of infrastructure development with three boreholes across communities, grassroots empowerment, humanitarian outreach, and political mobilisation, earning widespread commendation from stakeholders across the state.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Idris reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented governance, inclusive economic development, and unwavering loyalty to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He explained that the birthday interventions were deliberately designed to give back to society and strengthen the bond between leadership and the people.
Stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and party faithfuls, praised the Commissioner for using the occasion of his birthday to deliver tangible benefits to the people, rather than engaging in festivities.
Hundreds of beneficiaries across wards in Yagba East received cash gifts ranging to 50,000 to 250,000 Naira for youth and women, while entrepreneurs and small business owners were provided with financial assistance to expand and sustain their ventures.
A major highlight of the event was the commissioning of solar-powered motorised boreholes in selected communities.
The Commissioner noted that the water projects are expected to provide sustainable access to potable water, improve public health, and ease the daily burden on residents, particularly women and children.
Additional interventions include support for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the area and community organisations with donations of vehicles and motorcycles to enhance outreaches and mobilisation, as well as the distribution of work tools and equipment to artisans and small-scale business owners as well as distribution of essential food items and clothing materials were also distributed to women and other vulnerable groups as part of the humanitarian component of the programme.
Another key political highlight was the formal inauguration of the Tinubu/Ododo Continuity Support Group to mobilize grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Speakers at the inauguration described the group as a platform to consolidate progressive governance and sustain ongoing reforms at both the federal and state levels.
