There was excitement among residents of Akoko South West Constituency II last Friday as Hon. Tope Agbulu, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, disbursed bursary funds to 110 students from various tertiary institutions.
The event, which drew a large crowd, took place at Community Primary School in Akungba-Akoko. Dignitaries in attendance included traditional rulers, political figures, community leaders, and business executives.
The occasion also marked the conclusion of a constituency-wide games competition sponsored by Agbulu, which featured participants from Akungba, Supare, Oba, and Ikun. The month-long contest showcased local talents in football, draughts, and African Mancala (Ayo Olopon), with winners receiving cash prizes for first to fourth place.
Speaking at the ceremony, Agbulu highlighted his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to his constituents. He outlined several projects he had executed over the past two years and promised more development initiatives.
He said, “This initiative goes with my continued dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Akoko South West Constituency II.
In the past two years, the following impactful projects were implemented and supported: ’Installation of boreholes across the seven wards in the Constituency, including: Supare, Oba, Ikun, Akungba.
“Construction of a bridge worth ₦17,500,000 (Seventeen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) connecting Akunmi and Ilale Quarters in Akungba. Distribution of Keke NAPEP tricycles to constituents for economic empowerment and transportation.’
“Donation of deep freezer and other notable items. Donation of ₦500,000 at the Akun Day Festival.’
“Donation of ₦500,000 to support the take-off of Akoko South South LCDA in Akungba. Quarterly appreciative donations across Akungba in December 2023 to mark six months in office:
“Over ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) disbursed to empower more than 50 individuals, with beneficiaries receiving: #500,000, ₦200,000, ₦150,000, ₦120,000, ₦100,000, ₦50,000 depending on their scale and needs. A full list of beneficiaries can be provided upon request.’”
Agbulu added that he had “offered employment to more than 10 graduates within two years, as well as huge support to actualize the Akungba-Ikare road dualization. On this historic occasion, I joined the people of Akoko South West Constituency II to extend appreciation to our Governor, Hon. Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his transformational project.”
Also speaking at the event, Alara of Araromi, Chief Tolu Babaleye, expressed joy over the feats of the lawmaker, stating that the constituency had never experienced such development.
On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Hon. Kelvin Solomon, lauded the lawmaker for his commitment to educational development, describing him as “a model for other public office holders to emulate.”
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Sam Maris University, Prof. Francis, extolled the lawmaker for his developmental strides, urging political office holders across the country to emulate Agbulu.
On the sidelines of the event, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu praised Hon. Agbulu for his personal sacrifices, emphasizing that “What Hon. Agbulu has done today is largely funded from his personal resources. This is a true reflection of his deep commitment to the people.”
The event also witnessed the presence of other legislators including Hon. Afe Felix of Akoko North West Constituency I and Hon. Japhet Oluwatoyin from Akoko North East, both of whom applauded Agbulu’s efforts and pledged continued collaboration toward advancing the region.