IWO – A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant, Dotun Babayemi has called on state governors across the state to allow allocation to local government get to the grassroots in a bid to alleviate suffering.
Speaking at the distribution of cheques to members of ‘Atunto’ cooperative society in Iwo, Ola-Oluwa and Ayedire Local Government Council Areas of the state in Iwo on Wednesday, he stressed the need for funds meant for the third tier of government to be released to help combat poverty at that level.
He said the present economic hardship in Nigeria demands that all arms of government allow funds to circulate the system to ensure that grassroots business survives the present realities.
“I believe the authorities must allow allocation meant for local government to be released to that arm of government to allow it work for grassroots dwellers, especially in the present economic challenges”, he said.
Speaking on the objectives of the cooperative society, Babayemi said the N320 million fund pulled together by the association is to assist businesses at the grassroots to survive harsh economic situations and prevent poverty among the populace.
“The concept of the cooperative is a grassroots movement targeted at helping businesses in rural areas survive the economic instability in Nigeria now. It kicked off in Osogbo on December 6th 2023, we are coming back for the grassroots to understand some of their challenges, priorities and how they expect to see economic development in societies around them. Although governance is key, economic development is very important at the grassroots”, he added.
The President of the cooperative society, Emmanuel Moye, disclosed that the cooperative movement become necessary in a bid to survive the present economic challenges.
“We know that the economic situation of the country is very bad and people have to cooperate among themselves to survive the present economic situation”, he added.
