By Toba Ajayi
Dr. Toyosi Akure-Bao, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Yagba West II State Constituency, has pledged to dedicate his emoluments and other incentives to basic education, women development and care for senior citizens if elected.
Akure made the pledge on Saturday at the conclusion ceremony of the Toyosi Akure Foundation Summer Class in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi.
The summer class, organised by the Toyosi Akure Foundation, was aimed at supporting children through academic engagement and educational development during the long vacation.
At the ceremony, Akure announced scholarships for outstanding participants of the programme as part of his commitment to promoting access to quality education.
He said pupils who emerged first, second and third in the assessment would receive free basic education scholarships at their respective schools.
Akure also announced scholarships for the next four outstanding pupils, who would receive free education at Crescendo International Academy, Egbe, a school owned by him.
The foundation also distributed textbooks and 1,000 notebooks to participants and other beneficiaries at the ceremony.
Akure said the initiatives reflected his belief that investing in children was essential to building a better future for the constituency.
He said his pledge to dedicate his official emoluments and other incentives to basic education, women development and senior citizens, if elected, was informed by his belief that public office should be about service and sacrifice.
“I believe leadership is about sacrifice and service. If elected, I will dedicate my emoluments and other incentives to supporting basic education, women development and the welfare of our senior citizens.
“Our children deserve quality education, our women deserve opportunities to thrive, and our elderly citizens, who have contributed immensely to our communities, deserve care, dignity and support,” he said.
The ADC candidate said women development would receive attention through initiatives focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, capacity building and economic empowerment.
He also pledged to support programmes that would improve the welfare of senior citizens, particularly vulnerable elderly people who may require assistance and social support.
Akure said the interventions would complement government efforts and would be pursued in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He commended parents, teachers, volunteers and participants for their commitment to the summer class, describing the programme as an investment in the intellectual development of the younger generation.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their education and make good use of the opportunities provided through the foundation.
Akure reiterated his commitment to people-centred representation, saying the welfare of children, women and senior citizens would remain important components of his agenda for Yagba West II.
