The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Yekini Idaiye, has urged Rotary International to expand its humanitarian interventions to underserved rural communities across the state, stressing the need to ensure that development projects reach people at the grassroots.
Idaiye made the appeal when a delegation of Rotary International District 9141, led by its District Governor, Rotarian Chibueze Anthony, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Benin City.
The Speaker commended Rotary International for its humanitarian contributions and infrastructure development initiatives, particularly in urban communities. However, he expressed concern that rural areas were not receiving sufficient attention from the organisation.
He specifically called for increased interventions in Akoko-Edo, Etsako East and other remote communities, noting that prioritising such areas would help address the developmental challenges facing residents.
Idaiye urged the organisation to ensure that its humanitarian programmes were distributed more equitably, allowing vulnerable populations in rural communities to benefit from its initiatives.
Earlier, Anthony appreciated the Speaker for the support and cooperation extended to Rotary International by the Edo State Government. He appealed for the continued partnership to enable the organisation to expand its humanitarian activities.
The District Governor also disclosed that Rotary had resolved to concentrate more of its interventions on rural communities.
He further urged the Speaker to consider legislative measures to address the problem of pupils sitting on bare floors in schools, stressing the importance of providing conducive learning environments for children.
Anthony leads Rotary International District 9141, which covers Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states. The delegation also included the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Aitivie.
The development underscores the importance of collaboration between public institutions and humanitarian organisations in addressing community needs and promoting inclusive development across Edo State.