The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Chief Toyin Anthony Amuzu, has distributed free 4kg cooking gas cylinders to over 600 residents of Abeokuta South, with women making up the majority of the beneficiaries, as part of his ongoing social support initiatives. The distribution exercise, held at Ijeja in Abeokuta on Tuesday, commenced at about 8:00 a.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m., attracting hundreds of residents seeking relief from the rising cost of living. Speaking during the programme, Amuzu said the intervention was designed to assist households that depend on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking, helping to reduce the financial burden on families amid prevailing economic hardship. He noted that the initiative followed a recent programme by the Toyin Amuzu Foundation, which distributed free fuel to commercial motorcycle riders and taxi drivers across Abeokuta South to cushion the impact of soaring transportation costs. "We previously supported commercial motorcycle riders and taxi drivers with free fuel. This cooking gas programme is intended to assist households that depend on gas for cooking. We recognise that different groups have different needs, and we will continue to design interventions that respond to those needs as resources permit," he said. Amuzu, however, stressed that while humanitarian interventions provide immediate relief, they are not substitutes for sustainable economic policies capable of addressing the country's broader challenges. According to him, his legislative agenda, if elected to the House of Representatives, would focus on strengthening social protection, promoting economic empowerment and advancing community development. "My priority will be to support and champion legislation that strengthens social protection, empowers families economically and accelerates community development. Our philosophy is to help people acquire the means to earn a sustainable livelihood rather than depend indefinitely on relief materials. We want to support people to catch fish, not merely give them fish to eat," he said. The PDP standard-bearer also identified improved electricity supply as a critical driver of economic growth, saying stable power would reduce operating costs for small businesses, improve productivity and create employment opportunities. He added that the vision aligns with the commitment of the Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, to prioritise electricity and infrastructure as part of a broader economic development strategy if elected. Although he currently holds no elective or appointive public office, Amuzu said the Toyin Amuzu Foundation has implemented several community development projects, including the provision of boreholes, installation of solar-powered street lights, business support schemes, educational assistance and other welfare programmes across Abeokuta South. He appealed to residents who could not benefit from the cooking gas distribution due to the large turnout to remain patient, assuring them that additional phases of the programme would be organised. Some beneficiaries described the initiative as timely, saying the free cooking gas would help reduce household expenses and ease the burden of preparing meals amid the current economic situation.
