THE ancient town of Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State was agog as a philanthropist and community leader, Dr. Chief Olumide Adeoya, empowered 100 widows drawn from Ido-Osi, Ilejemeje and Moba Local Government Areas.
The empowerment programme, organised as part of activities marking Adeoya’s birthday, was aimed at providing financial assistance to widows and supporting their efforts to improve their livelihoods, particularly those engaged in petty trading and other small-scale businesses.
Speaking at the event, Adeoya disclosed that the beneficiaries were randomly selected from the three local government areas that make up Ekiti North Senatorial District II, stressing that the selection process was transparent and devoid of sentiment, favouritism or political considerations.
He explained that the initiative was his modest contribution towards alleviating the challenges faced by vulnerable members of society and complementing the efforts of the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The celebrant also acknowledged and commended the humanitarian efforts of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, particularly her sustained intervention in the lives of widows and orphans through her Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) initiative.
Adeoya said he was inspired by the First Lady’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society and expressed his desire to emulate her compassionate gesture by extending support to widows in his community.
He expressed the hope that the financial assistance would provide immediate relief to the beneficiaries and enable those already engaged in petty trading and other businesses to increase their working capital and become more economically independent.
Adeoya urged other privileged individuals, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture by supporting widows, the elderly and other vulnerable members of their communities.
One of his friends, Mr. Olugbenga Agbelusi, described the empowerment programme as a laudable initiative capable of making a meaningful difference in the lives of the beneficiaries.
Agbelusi noted that government alone could not meet all the needs of the people, stressing the importance of individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations contributing to community development.
He said if more wealthy Nigerians invested directly in the welfare and economic empowerment of vulnerable people, many families would be lifted out of hardship while communities would experience greater development.
The Coordinator of Ekiti State Widows Association, Mrs. Phebean Fatuase who was represented by Mrs. Rachael Olaitan appreciated Adeoya for what she described as his consistent concern for the welfare of widows in the state.
She thanked God for the life of the celebrant and prayed for longer life, good health, greater prosperity and continued capacity to impact lives positively.
Mrs. Olaitan also appealed to other individuals blessed with wealth and influence to remember the less privileged, noting that interventions such as Adeoya’s could give widows renewed hope, dignity and the opportunity to become more economically independent.
The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, commended Adeoya for returning to his hometown to celebrate his birthday with his people and, more importantly, extending the celebration to vulnerable members of the community.
The monarch prayed for continued prosperity, good health and success for the celebrant.
The event was attended by representatives of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs. Racheal Babatunde; Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Chief Adetutu Abegunde; the Apelua of Ilogbo-Ekiti, Chief Olatoye, as well as other community leaders, friends, associates and beneficiaries.
The empowerment programme further underscored the importance of collaboration between government, individuals and community stakeholders in promoting social welfare, economic inclusion and improved livelihoods for vulnerable citizens across Ekiti State.