Oyefusi seeks transparency in empowerment programmes

Mr Kehinde Oyefusi, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called for transparency and accountability in empowerment programmes facilitated by lawmakers.

Oyefusi made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

He said such programmes should be subjected to public scrutiny to establish their funding sources, beneficiaries, implementation process and long-term economic impact.

The candidate said excitement surrounding empowerment programmes should not end public discourse but should encourage citizens to ask critical questions about their purpose and sustainability.

He questioned whether the initiative represented genuine investment in the people or a short-term intervention aimed at generating political goodwill .

“The issue is not whether beneficiaries should receive support.

“The issue should be  whether the programme is transparent, properly funded, fairly administered and capable of producing lasting economic benefits,” he said.

Oyefusi urged organisers to clarify whether the programme was funded through public resources, constituency allocations, donor support or a combination of sources.

He also sought information on the approval process, total cost, number of intended beneficiaries and criteria for selection.

“Taxpayers’ money is not a politician’s personal wealth, and the use of public resources should never be presented as a personal favour from an elected representative,” he said.

He said if public funds were involved, constituents  had the right to know how the money was approved, allocated and distributed.

Oyefusi questioned the sustainability of distributing cash, food items and equipment, noting that while it could provide immediate relief, it might not address underlying economic challenges.

He said a sustainable empowerment programme should include training, mentoring, access to markets, affordable credit and follow-up support to help beneficiaries establish or expand viable businesses.

“A serious empowerment programme should be judged not only by what is distributed on the day of the ceremony, but also by what beneficiaries are able to achieve months and years afterwards,” he said.

He also called for fairness in the selection process, insisting that public interventions should be guided by transparent, needs-based criteria rather than political affiliation.

According to him, residents should be able to establish whether vulnerable households, unemployed youths, artisans and small business owners were given fair opportunities to benefit.

On the timing of some empowerment programmes by some lawmakers in Ikorodu, Oyefusi said the approach of the 2027 general elections made transparency particularly important.

He, however, noted that timing alone did not establish improper motive.

“The people of Ikorodu must be able to distinguish between sustained public service and political publicity,” he said.

He urged residents to welcome meaningful assistance while continuing to demand accountability.

“Gratitude must not replace scrutiny, and political loyalty must not silence legitimate questions,” he said.

Oyefusi said empowerment should promote economic independence, create opportunities and improve living standards rather than encourage dependence on periodic handouts.