By Adeboye Ado
The joy of residents Akungba Akoko, a university community in Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State, knew no bounds when concerned citizens of the town, home and abroad , donated medical and other relief items worth of three million naira to them, to lessen the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the people.
The palliative which consisted of four tons of rice, several dozens of noodles, bags of table salt, face masks, clinical gloves, branded sanitisers and customised handwashing sanitary buckets, were presented to the traditional ruler, Alale of Akungba Kingdom, by representatives of the donor group, Akungba Leaders Forum.
An exceedingly delighted Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, thanked Akungba indigenes home and abroad, for the kind gesture.
In a written speech eloquently delivered by him, the Kabiyesi said:
“The Palace is really motivated and invigorated by the sheer size of affection and compassion demonstrated by our indigenous people in Nigeria, and in the Diaspora.
“Bringing people together into a voluntary good-cause task, within two weeks with this huge result, is to say the least a tremendous assignment. Hence, I salute the courage of the team that brought this good tidings to us.
“I cannot but appreciate the roles of two of our prominent ambassadors, my able chiefs who facilitated this project, with the kind support of our kiths and kin around the world. They are Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf, the Convener of Akungba Leaders Forum, and Sobaloju Olubunmi Adeola who worked tirelessly to see this dream to reality. The leadership roles of Elder (Dr) Sunday Olotu and financial contributions of Mr. Taiwo and Mrs. Wosilat Busari in the United States are duly appreciated
“Without mincing words, a new era of love, unity and development is being heralded in Akungba Akoko. I have also taken it upon myself to personally call and prayed for the contributors to this noble project, our common patrimony”
The Royal Father seized the opportunity to pray for unity, peace and progress in the land. He also reminded his subjects to eschew discord and violence, while complying with medical protocols on COVID-19 as prescribed by the Government.
Oba Adeyeye noted that in as much Covid-19 could take the life of the late Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, then the community must do the needful to curtail community transmission of the dreaded disease.
“We must not lose sight of the very reason for this season of humanitarianism. The donors are giving to let you stay at home while the evil wind of corona virus blows past our homes and land without casualty”
“If this disease could enter Aso Rock and take away the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Late Alhaji Abba Kyari, it means it doesn’t respect anyone. The frightening news coming from many States in the North, where people are dying in hundreds, should warn us against the community spread of COVID-19”, the King stated, adding that:
“Closer home, Ondo State has registered a dead victim while number of infected people has increased. Caution must now our watchword,”
Meanwhile, the monarch lauded the timely interventions of previous donors to the community.
“As we all bear witness, the pain and pang of hunger brought about by this modern day locust has rekindled the love and passion of Akungba sons and daughters for their homeland
“Generous gifts of food and other items from kindhearted individuals, Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), caring groups and even the State Government; have been entering our homes since March, to alleviate poverty and stem starvation in our University Town. I, on behalf of all of you, is grateful to these giving hands. May they never lack in kind or cash.”
On his part, a medical expert, Pharmacist Ayegbusi, said the medical items procured by the leaders were vital as precautions for combating the Corona Virus, such as sanitizers, washing hand buckets, masks and hand gloves.
Another medic, Pharmacist Usman Ahmed emphasised the need for social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings.
Similarly, one of the elders of the community, Chief Dele Olowogorioye, said the significance of the palliative was aimed at saving lives and cushioning the negative effect of the lock-down on the people.
A Palace insider, High Chief Adesegun Samuel Ado, the Olori of Okele Quarters, thanked the donors for thinking it wise to identify with their very own people during the restriction of movements occasioned by the pandemic.
In the same vein, High Chief Rafiu Abiodun, the Alakun of Igbelu Quarter, extolled the giant strides of the paramount ruler for bringing the sons and daughters of the town together for a charitable cause.
