By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The streets of Ikorodu federal constituency buzzed with celebration on Saturday, April 19, as Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, lawmaker representing the area, handed over car keys to a fresh set of beneficiaries in what many described as an empowerment gesture.
Held at his constituency office in Igbogbo, the car donation ceremony brought together APC party leaders, market women, youth groups, and community members under the iCARE Foundation banner.
The occasion, filled with music, dance, and praise speeches, saw Benson, recently awarded “Ikorodu Man of the Year” and “Best MHR in Nigeria”, applauded for his consistent generosity and development efforts.
“This is not just a car. It is a symbol of hope and dignity,” said Alhaja Oluloyo, one of the beneficiaries, tearfully clutching her keys.
“Today, JB gave us a voice.”
According to Benson, the gesture is part of a broader initiative to uplift constituents and reward commitment to community service.
“We’ve empowered women, youths, and market leaders, and distributed food to over 50,000 people through iCARE. This is just the beginning,” he said in an interview.
Lagos APC State Secretary, Hon. Adeola Jokomba, who flagged off the event, described Benson as “a revelation” in grassroots leadership, while other dignitaries echoed similar sentiments, portraying the lawmaker as a builder of both infrastructure and people.
With many of the recipients drawn from party structures or loyalists, some critics argue that such donations, while helpful to individuals, may reinforce a patronage system where access to personal benefits trumps structural progress.
One of the beneficiaries, an elderly woman popularly known as Alhaja Oluloyo who was overwhelmed with emotion, and said, “Today, JB gave us more than cars—he gave us dignity, he gave us voice, and he gave us hope.”
Other beneficiaries of the Car donations were; Olarenwaju Adiye from Ikorodu west, Alase of Itunmoja of Ikorodu, Mr. Akinsanya, iCARE Foundation official Chief Security Officer (CSO), Kasali Abiola Sulaimon and Pastor Adeyemi Benson from Igbogbo baiyeku LCDA.
“JB doesn’t just build roads, he builds people,” said the Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu, Deaconess Busola Isikalu.
Benson insists his gestures are neither political nor selective.
“We are aligning with Mr. President’s grassroots renewal agenda. My people deserve visibility and reward for their service.”
