Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has distributed N1.15 billion in cash support, 279 vehicles and other empowerment items to about 5,000 residents of Surulere, Lagos State, under his Mega Empowerment Programme.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced the distribution on Saturday during an empowerment event in Surulere, where he also addressed allegations linking him to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
He said the programme was designed to provide financial assistance, business support and transportation opportunities to residents, adding that beneficiaries were nominated through community development associations (CDAs) and trade associations.
According to him, 3,905 beneficiaries received N250,000 each, while another 348 people received N500,000 each.
The empowerment package also included 61 electric vehicles, 40 minibuses and 100 laptops.
Other items distributed were four Toyota Hiace 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and a special T2 jeep.
Gbajabiamila said the programme had been postponed from June to allow proper verification of beneficiaries nominated by community and trade associations.
He described the initiative as one of the largest single empowerment programmes witnessed in Surulere.
Gbajabiamila addresses PFIPC allegations
Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila said investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies had cleared him of wrongdoing over allegations concerning the purported PFIPC.
He named the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as agencies that investigated the allegations.
According to him, the investigative reports are in the public domain.
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the purported PFIPC had also reported that it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the organisation’s activities.
Gbajabiamila thanked President Tinubu for insisting on due process instead of reaching a conclusion before investigations were completed.
He said the allegations had subjected him to unexpected challenges but expressed gratitude to residents of Surulere, Lagos and other Nigerians who supported him during the period.
“The allegations came ferociously, but I am grateful that my people and those who know me understood that the allegations were false and malicious,” he said.
He also urged young people aspiring to public office not to be discouraged by challenges associated with political careers.
The presidential aide warned individuals allegedly using his name to defraud members of the public, saying they would face the law.
He maintained that the allegations and attacks would not distract him from his responsibilities as Chief of Staff.
Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu
Gbajabiamila also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying his commitment had remained consistent despite occasions when the president’s political decisions did not align with his personal preferences.
He said he had worked closely with Tinubu for many years and had never betrayed the trust placed in him.
“My commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda remains unwavering,” he said.
He added that political loyalty was important in maintaining relationships within the party, while describing Tinubu as someone who knew him well.
Electric transport, business support included
Gbajabiamila said the empowerment programme was also supporting transportation and environmentally friendly initiatives in Surulere.
He disclosed that the Gbaja transportation service continued to provide free transportation for students within the community, while offering discounted fares to elderly residents.
Electric cars had also been provided for e-hailing businesses, alongside electric bicycles and electric bikes.
He said plans were underway to install electric vehicle charging stations in Surulere as part of efforts to expand the use of cleaner transportation.
“We will continue to provide meaningful empowerment opportunities for our people and ensure that the benefits of government reach our communities,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, APC leaders commend initiative
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, commended Gbajabiamila and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders for their engagement with constituents.
Hamzat said the party’s senators, lawmakers, political leaders and other elected representatives had been supporting communities through various empowerment programmes and interventions.
He said political parties should go beyond making promises during elections and maintain regular engagement with citizens to address their needs.
APC Lagos chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, represented by former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, also commended Gbajabiamila, describing the programme as evidence of the party’s commitment to supporting residents.
Surulere Local Government chairman Suleiman Yusuf and chairman of the Surulere Local Government Education Authority, Sheriff Folami, praised the presidential aide for sustaining empowerment programmes in the area.
Other dignitaries included former Lagos State Special Adviser on Housing Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Surulere Federal Constituency I representative Fouad Laguda and Governance Advisory Council member Tajudeen Olusi.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Bello, who received N250,000, said the financial support would help expand her petty trading business and support her family.
