By Treasure Korede Emmanuel.
A Nigerian lawyer and business magnate, Barr. Tunde Ayeni has distributed bags of rice to 6000 households in Okun Land, Kogi State as palliative following the lockdown caused as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The bags of rice were distributed through the Oluwatoyin Foundation at Iyah Gbede Ijumu Local Government Area of the State.
Speaking during the flag off of the distribution exercise, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi described the gesture as timely and a move towards saving the people at a hard time like this.
Oba Owoniyi explained that the donation was first of its kind in the history of Okun land by a non politician since the lockdown.
“This gesture is first of its kind in the history of Okun land. For someone who is not contesting political office to have done this is commendable,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Barr. Tunde Ayeni for the philanthropic gesture and prayed God to reward him abundantly.
“On behalf of all of us in Okun, we want to thank Barr. Tunde Ayeni very whole heartedly. I want to advise that these items must be shared to those they are meant for, the less privileged,” the paramount ruler added.
In his remark, the business magnate, Barr. Tunde Ayeni, who was represented by his elder brother and the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni said the donation was to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home directive by government which has affected the economic life of the people.
According to him, the Foundation which was established in honour of late Miss Oluwatoyin, his younger sister who died as a result of snake bite many years ago, shares in the pains of Okun people during the lockdown, hence the decision to donate the bags of rice.
“Even when there was no lockdown, things were hard for the people not to talk of now. That is why Oluwatoyin Foundation is reaching out to our people.”
He said Coronavirus is real and advised the people to adhere strictly to the health protocols as provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi who spoke on behalf of Yagba Federal Constituency and other benefiting communities, thanked Ayeni for identifying with the people at this critical period and prayed God to replenish him.
