Massive crowd of indigents beseiged the Isolo residence of a Lagos lawmaker, Jude Idimogu, for collection of Sallah gifts.
The indigents, especially Islamic faithful, gathered around the residence of the lawmaker, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly as early as 5:00am.
Some of the beneficiaries of the lawmaker’s distribution of 5kg bags of rice, who took turns to commended the lawmaker’s continuous support to the indigents, told newsmen that the gesture would alleviate their burdens during the festive season.
An elderly woman, Mrs Taiwo Adegboyega, who rained prayers on the lawmaker for the gesture, that he had been trying for Isolo people but should help the youths more with employment opportunities.
Another elderly widow, Mrs Felicia Omotunde, who said that the lawmaker had been trying for the masses, called for more empowerments for all vulnerable groups in the constituency.
Mrs Dorcas Balogun, another beneficiary, who deals in fabrics, said: “Last year, the lawmaker gave us food stuff also. At times, when he meets us on the way, he gives money too.
“We want empowerments for women no matter how small to start businesses because things are tough. We what him to help us on these, not considering party lines.”
Mrs Olabisi Jinadu, who also commended the lawmaker for his gesture during the COVID-19 lockdown, said that if the constituency had many of Idimogus in the area, so many indidents would have much relief.
A carpenter, Mr Azeez Otaoroju, who noted that the lawmaker had not failed in extending such gesture to masses, urged him to assist in fixing bad road and defend the poor masses from crazy electricity billings.
“The issue of crazy electricity billings is putting fears in our hearts, we want the lawmaker to use his office to defend us. I appreciate this lawmaker. if we have about six of them, masses suffering will be reduced,” Otaoroju said.
A Septuagenarian, Mr Oluremi Akintounde, said: ” This is good for the masses, we are happy with him, let him continue and we will continue to support him.”
Mrs Tawakalitu Adekola, an Islamic Musician, who said she was participating in such gesture for the first time, commended the lawmaker and urged him to continue in well doings and the good name he had.
Speaking to newsmen after the distribution of the food stuff, Idimogu said that he shared in the plights of the common masses and that he would not shy away in identifying with them at all times.
“Already I have given the politicians in our party over 120 bags of rice. This is just for the ordinary people on street, the less privileged irrespective of party affiliations, I must give them something no matter how small.
“I will say, not less than 1000 less-privileged people, have been given 5kg bag of rice. It has not ended, we will continue to do these for the people. The basic thing in life is good. We must not neglect them.
“My background is my motivation, I grew up as an orphan in Lagos. At eight year old, I lost both parents. Whatever I have is a privileged position. We struggled and God has helped me to be where I am today.
“I must give back to the people who loved me and asked me to represent them at the Lagos Assembly.
“This is my contribution in giving back to the people. I empathise with my people,” the lawmaker said.
On empowerments, Idimogu, who noted that he had done a lot in empowering students, unemployed youths, women and many vulnerable individuals, said that he aspired to do more had he had enough resources.
He urged the beneficiaries to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday’s local government election.
According to him, all residents that have not registered for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) should use the opportunity of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to registered.
