Joy and excitement swept through Ona-Ara Local Government today, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as residents witnessed the much-anticipated September Empowerment initiative of Hon. Dr. Temitope Oladimeji, fondly known as OTOPE. Staying true to his grassroots empowerment promise, OTOPE, through his foundation, distributed 10 litres of free fuel each to 300 commercial Micra (taxi) and bus drivers.
The intervention, carried out at MRS Filling Station, Olorunsogo, off Amuloko Road, Ibadan, commenced at exactly 12 noon, with commercial drivers trooping out in large numbers to benefit. The atmosphere was filled with jubilation as beneficiaries described the gesture as timely relief amid the biting economic hardship, particularly affecting transport operators.
Organised in partnership with the Ona-Ara PMS, the programme was conducted through well-coordinated slots to ensure fairness and transparency.
This exercise marks the sixth phase of OTOPE’s free fuel palliative initiative, which has previously supported commercial Maruwa (tricycle) and Okada (motorcycle) riders in Egbeda Local Government, as well as other categories of transport operators across the constituency
Speaking during the event, Dr. OTOPE reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the people, saying:
“Our people are going through a tough period, and it is only right to stand by them in practical ways. This free fuel palliative is a small but meaningful way to ease their burden and keep hope alive. I will continue to do my best to support the people of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency and beyond. As I have always said, there will be no month without empowering our people.”
Beneficiaries, visibly elated, hailed the initiative as a rare demonstration of compassion and people-centred leadership, while commending OTOPE for always keeping the needs of transport operators at heart.
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