In furtherance of his empowerment programme, the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, on Wednesday donated a brand new 18-seater Toyota bus and undisclosed multi-million Naira to members of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Senator Yayi made the donation shortly after he was decorated as the Grand Patron of the association in Ogun state at the Ogun Annual Theatre Fiesta, Lecture/Award Presentation held in Ilaro.
While decorating Senator Yayi, the TAMPAN Global President, Otunba Bolaji Amusan, said the award was in recognition of Senator Yayi’s philanthropical gestures toward uplifting the less privileged in the society.
Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin described the Ogun West Senator as a compassionate public office holder and a transparent lawmaker who has touched the nooks and crannies of Ogun state through his empowerment programmes.
Mr. Latin, joined by the TAMPAN Board of Trustees Chairman, Adebayo Salami and Dele Odule, posited that the choice of Senator Yayi as Grand Patron and Distinguished Personality of the Year was borne out of the Senator’s humanitarian service and community development of his constituency.
The thespian called on other lawmakers in the country to emulate the ‘performing’ senator for dividends of democracy to reach the downtrodden.
“We gathered here today to celebrate a performer, a visioner, and exemplary leader, an unapologetic philanthropist, a cheerful giver who has changed the face of politics in Ogun state. We gathered here to commend him for his good work in Yewaland and to encourage him to do more.
“This is important because many of his colleagues who have the same opportunity are not doing what Senator Yayi is doing. If we have 100 of Senator Yayi in Nigeria, there would be less hunger and poverty in the country.
“We urge you not to relent in your good deeds because the reward is coming soon. As our Grand Patron, we want to appeal to you to help us legislate on stringent punishment for pirators and financial grants for movie producers in the country.”
Responding, Senator Adeola Yayi emphasized that his resolved to serve humanity was because of his upbringing and challenges facing his constituents.
Yayi, who claimed to be a lover of Yoruba movies and culture, noted that the entertainment industry is undervalued in Nigeria.
He pointed out that piracy has greatly inhibited the growth of movie industry, stressing that the Nigerian senate will protect the copyright of every intellectual property.
“My decision to serve humanity was because of my upbringing, and I will continue to serve my people. I am a lover of culture and Yoruba movie.”
“We will do everything to support the industry. The entertainment industry has been undervalued in this side of the divide. In other part of the world, the entertainment industry are super rich people, but let me now assure you that with the direction and commitentn of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the entertainment industry should expect the best from this administration in trying to improve their lots in the industry.”
“Piracy has not been of help, but I want to assure you this is the beginning of new things to come.”
