What was planned as a modest empowerment exercise turned into an emotional gathering on Wednesday as Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao’s Land Empowerment Programme exceeded expectations at the APC Ibadan North Secretariat, Yemetu, Ibadan.

From youths to women and elderly party faithful drawn across all wards in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, beneficiaries struggled to contain their emotions as plots of land with valid documentation were handed over to them. Many described the moment as one they never imagined, especially in the face of prevailing economic realities.

Originally designed to benefit 40 party faithful in its first phase, the programme was expanded on the spot to accommodate 60 beneficiaries. The decision followed visible expressions of gratitude and joy from recipients, some of whom openly wept as they received their allocation letters.

Moved by the atmosphere and the testimonies shared, leaders and beneficiaries unanimously pronounced Hon. Arisekola-Alao as Oloore 1 of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, noting that while he had long been regarded as Omo-Oloore, the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports now living out that legacy through action. Many present described the initiative as unprecedented in the history of empowerment within the constituency.

The All Progressives Congress leadership was strongly represented at the state level, with the presence of the APC State Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite; the State Youth Leader, Prince John Aremu; the State Treasurer, Alhaji Mukail Busari; the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Sadare; and the Welfare Secretary, Mrs Taiwo Moteleola. They were joined by apex leaders of Ibadan North Federal Constituency and ward leaders drawn from across the constituency.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite commended Hon. Arisekola-Alao for what he described as exemplary conduct and loyalty to the party.

“Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao displayed true Omoluabi values when he aligned with the will of the party during the last Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, regardless of personal considerations. Today, he is extending the legacy of his father, the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, through tangible empowerment that touches lives directly. I am confident that Aare would be proud of him, and I pray that he is duly rewarded in 2027.”

Beneficiaries also took turns to express appreciation, noting that land ownership had never crossed their minds given current economic pressures. Several described the gesture as life-changing, saying it had restored hope and dignity to their families.

In his remarks, Hon. Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party at all levels, from the state to the ward and unit structures.

“My politics has always been people-centered, It is about making tangible impact and rewarding loyalty. This empowerment cuts across tendencies. It is not limited to my political supporters but embraces party faithful across Ibadan North Federal Constituency.”

He announced that the second phase of the Land Empowerment Programme is scheduled for the second week of March 2026, reaffirming his commitment to expanding the initiative.

Hon. Arisekola-Alao also acknowledged the presence of Hon. Olawale Murphy, an APC chieftain and the party’s candidate in the last by-election, describing his attendance as a strong signal of unity.

“His presence here reflects togetherness, and it strengthens my belief that by 2027, our party will reclaim its lost mandates at both the state and constituency levels,” he added.