Kunle Adelabu
-Gets Senator – elect, others’ commendations
Three members of iCare Foundation, the working team of the representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson, were on Saturday, December 12, 2020, rewarded with a vehicle each for their services.
Also, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Muslim Animashaun (De Cubano) whose vehicles were burnt during the #EndSARS protest in Ikorodu and the Administrator of the Ikorodu Ambassadors Group and Disc jockey (DJ), Adedeji Fatuga, were also presented with a vehicle each as gifts at the 2020 edition of the iCare Foundation’s end of the year party held at the Hon. Babajimi Federal Constituency Office in Ikorodu.
The three members of the two – term lawmaker’s team that became vehicle owners are the Principal of the Lagos State University International School, Ojo, and a chieftain of iCare, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Mr Yisa Ajenifuja and Mrs Funke Teju.
Many other members of iCare Foundation were also presented with sewing machines, generating set, tricycles, grinding machines and solar equipment.
Hon. Benson, speaking at the colourful gathering said that the annual event always present him with an opportunity to thank members of his team for helping him in delivering his promises to his constituents and fulfilling his legislative duties.
“I thank you exceedingly well for all that you have done in ensuring that we achieved our pledges and plans for our people”, he said.
“Our annual event has been an opportunity to thank you and we usually give out gifts to encourage our members and this year’s edition will not be different from others.
He thanked residents of Ikorodu Division for electing and re – electing him and for supporting the Lagos East Senator – elect, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Salawu who was full of thanks to the Hon. Benson and entire iCare team, said that she never expected the gift.
The widow regretted that her husband who gave her the permission to participate in politics is no longer alive to enjoy the benefits with her.
Also, Mr Tokunbo Abiru, the former Group Managing Director, Polaris Bank, who was elected as Senator to represent the Lagos East in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, exactly a week ago, described the gathering as celebratory and exemplary.
While commending Hon. Benson for bringing lots of innovations into representation, the banker cum boardroom guru turned politician also attested that the lawmaker has been touching people’s lives.
“This is an evening of celebration and for somebody attending for the first time like me, there are lots to learn”, Abiru said.
“I am picking lots of lessons from the gathering. I can hear testimonies from one of the beneficiaries and it is very touching.
“This is a life – changing matter for people”, the Senator – elect said.
He also acknowledged the impacts of the iCare’s ‘Apo – Anu’ (the monthly foodbank scheme) on the constituents.
“The iCare Foodbank project has been putting smiles on the faces of lots of people.
“Hon. Benson is bringing lots of innovations into representation and touching his constituents’ lives. I am more than confident going to Abuja because I have JB (Hon. Babajimi Benson) as a brother”, Abiru said.
The Senator – elect also thanked members of the iCare and the generality of Ikorodu and Lagos East residents for supporting and electing him in the last bye – election.
The Director – General (DG), iCare Foundation, Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, in his address, said that the working team has grown since the inception of the annual end of the year party six years ago.
While stating that the group has been impacting on many families and the community at large, the DG also added that the annual get – together is usually used to appreciate members that have sacrificed to make other people’s lives meaningful.
“This is the 6th edition of our annual event. It started with 20 people and today, we have over 80 members.
“iCare has trailed the blaze in many fronts and we have initiated and innovated many things within the political circle.
“Our members are selfless and usually serve other people before thinking of serving themselves.
“This annual gathering is our way of thanking iCare members and ensure that we sustain our care for the people of Ikorodu”, Mayor Sanwoola said.
The Chief Executive of the Waves media, Mr Azeez Lamina who is also a member of iCare, speaking earlier, said that the occasion is an annual tradition for iCare members during which they also invite family members, friends and associates to share the joy of the gathering with them.
Other dignitaries that attended the ceremony were wife of the representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency Mrs Jumoke Benson, wife of the Director – General, iCare foundation, Mrs Sanwoola, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Otunba (Dr) Saheed Ibikunle, chieftain of the APC, Alhaji Funmi Basorun – Osinowo, Women Leader, APC Lagos East, Yeye Fausat Gbadebo, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini, Member, Governing Council, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Dr Wole Ajifowoke, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Ameen Apanisile and Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. (Mrs) Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba among many others.
