The event, held on Thursday in Abeokuta saw several local leaders and entrepreneurs receiving financial support to bolster their businesses.
The gesture comes as part of Hon. Fakorede’s ongoing commitment to give back to his roots following his retirement from the Ogun State Civil Service last year.
Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Fakorede emphasized that the initiative was born out of a desire to see his community thrive.
He noted that his philanthropic journey began immediately after his retirement when he visited his alma mater, Baptist Primary School, Tibo, to donate essential writing materials.
"I look forward again to appreciating some leaders from my own community. If I cannot reach out to all the people in the local government with the little I have, I invited some leaders here today to do a kind of cash empowerment for them—just to encourage and appreciate them,".
He further attributed his motivation to the exemplary leadership within the local government, specifically praising the member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Tella, for his "wonderful" performance.
Fakorede urged fellow politicians to embrace the culture of giving, regardless of the size of their resources.
"My advice to other politicians is that with the little they have, we have to bring out from that little. By doing that, God will lift that person up. If you don’t give out, you cannot get; that is my belief," he said.
Addressing the beneficiaries, he charged them to use the funds judiciously, promising that this exercise was merely one step in a continuous journey of support.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oke-Ogun Community, Prince Ifekayode Akinbode, described the gesture as a "remarkable development," particularly coming from a retired teacher.
"He is a grassroots person; he has been a councilor in his ward and has served the state and the nation diligently," .
“To other political office holders, please remember your root. Out of whatever God has given you, look back, reflect, and give back."
On the political front, Prince Akinbode took a moment to address security and civic responsibility, urging community leaders to "warn their children" against being used for political instability.
Adding his voice to the commendations, the Leader of the House at the Abeokuta North Local Government Legislative Chamber, Hon. Moruf Erubami, lauded the timing of the empowerment.
"What Hon. Fakorede has done today is a testament to the fact that leadership is not about title, but about impact.
“As a legislative body, we are constantly looking for ways to improve the ease of doing business at the local level. When private citizens and party chieftains like Fakorede step in to provide direct liquidity to our SMEs, it complements our legislative efforts and creates an immediate multiplier effect on our local economy. We appreciate his sacrifice and his heart for the people."
Other leaders in attendance at the event were: Prince Mukaila Oniyide,Hon. Ayo Oluajo and Prince Oluwaseun Akinpelu.
