An empowerment programme organised in Oke-Onigbin, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was disrupted at the weekend by some youths and women.
The initiative, convened by House of Representatives hopeful Chief Adejoke Mistura Adeyemi, was designed to support selected beneficiaries amid ongoing economic challenges.
The Facts
- The incident occurred in Oke-Onigbin, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
- The programme was organised by Chief Adejoke Mistura Adeyemi.
- Beneficiaries were selected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Isin, Oke-Ero, Ekiti and Irepodun LGAs.
- Items distributed included 10 cars, one Bajaj motorcycle, bags of rice, 10 chest freezers, 20 grinding machines, 10 hair dryers, four makeup kits, 10 generators and 30 sewing machines.
- 1,500 beneficiaries were captured in the programme (70% women, 30% men).
- No casualties were recorded.
What Happened
An empowerment programme held in Oke-Onigbin, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was disrupted by some youths and women shortly after the distribution of items to beneficiaries.
The event was organised by Chief Adejoke Mistura Adeyemi, a United Kingdom-based philanthropist and House of Representatives hopeful. According to accounts gathered at the venue, the programme was nearly concluded when a group of individuals stormed the location.
One source stated that the attackers carted away large quantities of 5kg bags of rice that had been earmarked for beneficiaries.
Where and Who Is Affected
The programme targeted selected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) drawn from Isin, Oke-Ero, Ekiti and Irepodun local government areas of Kwara State.
A total of 1,500 beneficiaries were reportedly captured in the initiative, with women constituting 70 per cent and men 30 per cent.
Items distributed included:
- 10 cars
- One Bajaj motorcycle
- Bags of rice
- 10 chest freezers
- 20 grinding machines
- 10 hair dryers
- Four makeup kits
- 10 generators
- 30 sewing machines
Some beneficiaries confirmed that several items had already been successfully distributed before the disruption occurred.
Background
Empowerment programmes have become a recurring feature in Kwara State’s political and philanthropic landscape, particularly amid economic hardship affecting households across communities.
Speaking with journalists, Adeyemi said the initiative was designed to cushion the impact of current economic challenges on registered APC beneficiaries.
“I appreciate God for all He has done for me. I felt it was necessary to extend this divine gesture to my people,” she said.
She added that the timing of the programme was influenced by prevailing economic realities and the importance of financial stability for families.
Security Response
Security sources confirmed that although no casualties were recorded, efforts to repel the attackers were unsuccessful.
“Our men tried to resist them, but the crowd overpowered the security team, which comprised soldiers, police officers, Civil Defence Corps personnel, Road Safety officials and local hunters,” a source said.
The full extent of losses resulting from the disruption remains unclear at the time of writing.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among dignitaries present at the event were Hon. Jolayemi Benjamen, Hon. Rasaki Omotosho and Segun Adebayo.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Oba Olómù of Omu Aran, Oba Kalmadeen Salawudeen Onigbin, Oba Omotayo, the Oniwo of Oke Aba, and other prominent personalities.
Community Reaction
Reactions are still emerging.
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether the organisers will reschedule or restructure future empowerment initiatives following the disruption.
Observers say the incident may prompt discussions around crowd management and security arrangements at similar public events in Kwara State.
Conclusion
The disruption of the empowerment programme in Oke-Onigbin highlights both the demand for economic support initiatives and the security challenges that can accompany large public gatherings. As stakeholders assess the situation, attention will likely turn to measures aimed at ensuring order and fairness in future community-based interventions.
Sources:
Accounts from event organisers and security sources; The Guardian Newspaper
