Member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has announced plans to empower one million Yoruba residents across Kano State's 44 local government areas. The initiative aims to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Abejide unveiled the plan at the palace of the Oba of Yoruba in Kano, after inaugurating a 27-member committee to coordinate the programme.
The empowerment scheme targets vulnerable groups, including widows, less privileged individuals, youths, women, artisans, entrepreneurs, and other residents in need of economic support. Abejide emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, fairness, and integrity in implementing the programme. He charged committee members to ensure the empowerment gets to those who genuinely need it.
Abejide's connection to Kano predates his political career, having lived and done business in the state, and built relationships with its people. He noted that Kano has been an important part of his life, and this initiative is an opportunity for him to give back to the people. The programme combines grassroots empowerment, community engagement, and political mobilisation.
The committee, led by Hon. Seyi Olorunsola, is expected to coordinate activities across the 44 local government areas. Olorunsola assured that members would prioritize beneficiaries' interests and work collectively to achieve the programme's objectives. The initiative aims to provide a platform for engaging Yoruba residents, strengthen community participation, and offer economic support.
A similar one-million-resident empowerment initiative associated with Abejide was reported in August 2026, when a 21-member committee was inaugurated to coordinate the programme in Kano. Abejide said he would continue to mobilize support for Tinubu among Yoruba residents in Kano ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The empowerment programme is designed to provide practical assistance to members of the Yoruba community in Kano and improve their economic wellbeing. Abejide's move has been seen as a strategic effort to garner support for Tinubu's re-election bid. The programme's impact on the community remains to be seen.
The initiative has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a positive step towards empowering vulnerable groups in Kano. As the programme unfolds, its effectiveness in achieving its objectives and supporting Tinubu's re-election bid will be closely monitored.
Key points
- Abejide aims to empower one million Yoruba residents in Kano to support Tinubu's re-election bid.
- The programme targets vulnerable groups, including widows, less privileged individuals, and youths.
- Abejide emphasizes transparency and accountability in implementing the programme.
