The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Ifo Constituency II, Hon. Omotunde Ayoade, JP, has empowered more than 200 widows in Asuje Bus Stop, Irepodun Street Ward 4, Agbado, in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The beneficiaries received the financial support during an empowerment programme organised by Omotunde on Sunday, September 6, 2026 as part of his ongoing humanitarian and community support initiatives in the constituency.

Speaking at the programme, Omotunde said the engagement was an opportunity to reconnect with residents of the community where he grew up, attended both his basic and secondary education, and spent his childhood.

He said the initiative was also aimed at familiarising himself with residents and listening to some of the challenges confronting them before commencing his election campaign.

“This is an area where I grew up and attended my basic and secondary education. This is where I played with sand, rode tyres and engaged in other childhood activities. My relationship with the people here did not start because of politics,” Omotunde said.

He added, “Before commencing any campaign, I believe it is important to familiarise myself with my people and listen to their concerns. This is also an opportunity to reconnect with people I have known for many years and, above all, get their prayers.”

The PDP candidate said he had supported several community initiatives in the past, even before venturing into politics.

He cited a N500,000 contribution towards the energising of a transformer, scholarships for students, as well as empowerment initiatives for artisans and widows.

According to him, the interventions were driven by his desire to contribute to the welfare and development of residents in the constituency.

Omotunde said he would continue to support such initiatives, adding that he would expand his community development efforts if elected to the Ogun State House of Assembly.

“If elected and given the support of the people, we will ensure that the grading of roads and provision of other basic amenities receive the attention they deserve,” he said.

He further pledged to remain accessible to his constituents and responsive to issues affecting the constituency, saying his objective was to provide effective representation.

The beneficiaries, who attended the programme in groups, expressed appreciation for the cash assistance.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Abimbola Olabisi, said the financial support would provide relief for widows facing economic difficulties.

“We appreciate him for remembering widows and other vulnerable people in the community. This support will help many of us meet some of our immediate needs,” Olabisi said.

She, however, urged Ayoade to sustain his engagement with residents irrespective of the outcome of the 2027 election.

Another beneficiary, Alhamdulilahi Muyibat Abdullahi, described the intervention as timely, saying it demonstrated concern for residents facing economic hardship.

She said, “The support came at a time when many families are struggling. We appreciate the gesture and hope that the engagement with the community will continue.”

Abdullahi also expressed support for Omotunde’s 2027 ambition, saying she would support the PDP and its candidates during the elections.

The beneficiaries collectively called for sustained engagement with the community, stressing that assistance to vulnerable residents should continue beyond the election season.