As part of its commitment to empowering individuals and fostering societal growth, the Adedayo Oluwasanmi Foundation has distributed free food items to elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable residents in Emure Ekiti.
The distribution took place at the Oremeji Memorial Hall, located within the premises of the Elemure Palace, Emure Ekiti, where about 100 beneficiaries received essential food supplies, including rice, beans, Semovita, spaghetti, and salt. The recipients are in addition to the 200 beneficiaries of Oluwasanmi Foundation’s empowerment in other communities.
Addressing the gathering virtually, the Foundation’s Founder, Adedayo Oluwasanmi, explained that the initiative was inspired by the Biblical teaching to “be one’s brother’s keeper” aimed at alleviating the burden of economic hardship on the most vulnerable.
He emphasized the need for collective action, calling on citizens to complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji towards addressing the economic challenges facing the country.
“Nigerians everywhere are bearing a huge socio-economic burden. If we are honest, the root causes of this hardship preceded this administration. Blaming Mr. President or Mr. Governor does little to solve these challenges. Instead, let us deploy practical and effective responses to assist those in need,” Oluwasanmi said.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to continuing its outreach, which includes providing food items, welfare cash assistance, and payment of medical bills for indigent patients in public hospitals across local government areas.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the founder’s mother and a retired Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Ajoke Oluwasanmi, highlighted the Foundation’s track record of positively impacting lives in Osun State before expanding its operations to Ekiti.
She stressed the importance of collaboration with government and stakeholders to achieve the Foundation’s goals.
“We recognize the value of partnerships, which is why we brought in the APC to this programme. Working in synergy with political parties and government agencies enables us to maximize our reach and effectiveness,” Mrs Oluwasanmi explained.
On the selection process for beneficiaries, she noted that individuals were identified across party wards to ensure a wide and inclusive impact within the community.
She further revealed the Foundation’s plans to focus on supporting students by funding WAEC and JAMB fees, organizing special tutoring programmes, empowering youths with laptops, and mentoring them for success.
“The current social media influence has contributed to moral decadence among youths. Our goal is to build their capacities, make them self-reliant, and equip them for a brighter future; we plan to extend these initiatives to Aiyekire, Ekiti East, and Emure Local Government Areas,” she added.
Commending the initiative, the Acting APC Chairman of Emure Local Government, Mr. Monday Gabriel Omoniyi, and the APC Chairman of Gbonyin/Aiyekire Local Government, Mr. J.O. Adebayo, praised the Foundation for its impactful efforts. They urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate such gestures to support vulnerable members of society.
Also, APC stalwart in Emure Local Government, Pastor Olatunde Oluwafemi, said Adedayo Oluwasanmi Foundation is widely known for touching lives with a call on other NGOs to intensify efforts at bringing smiles to people’s faces, especially in this period of economic crunch.
The Regent of Emure Ekiti, Taiwo Oladimeji, also expressed appreciation to the Foundation for its generosity and encouraged community members to show compassion to their neighbours in need.
In separate interviews, some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Taye Akerele and Mrs Ellen Okekemi, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Oluwasanmi Foundation, noting that the food items would greatly ease the burden on their families and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The event was attended by party leaders, local government executives, ward chairmen, women leaders, and other stakeholders.
