The traditional ruler of Itori kingdom in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Fatai Akamo, on Monday, extended gestures to the needy, including inmates of the Stella Obasanjo Children Home, the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre in Ibara, and patients of the State Hospital in Sokenu, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Abeokuta.
The gestures were part of activities marking Oba Akamo’s 21st coronation anniversary, which earlier kicked off with a media conference held in his palace in Itori town.
The monarch was accompanied by his chiefs as well as the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, alongside other dignitaries to celebrate with inmates of the facilities.
The first point of call was the Stella Obasanjo Children Home, located within the Government Reservation Area, Ibara, Abeokuta, where he donated foot items and house items equipment.
The Olu Itori announced that he would equally support the home with equipment for the completion of the ongoing hall construction within the premises of the home
The traditional ruler was able to raise over N5 million through some notable dignitaries who followed him for the benefits of the children and home.
Going memory lane, Akamo disclosed that he equally passed through the stage the inmates found themselves, explaining that, after his birth at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, he was an inmate for over two years to survive hardship.
The monarch said that no child should be looked down on, or written off, using himself as a good example, who despite his predicament at childhood, he ended up becoming relevant in the society
The children at the home added glamour to the visit as they engaged in cultural display, as well as series of melodious songs, which attracted the Olu and the Olowu, who joined the children in dancing
The entourage was received by the management of the home, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, who expressed appreciation to the monarch.
She said the Ministry is happy over the gestures of the traditional ruler, adding that the management was not surprised because he had always been showing interest to the plight of the needy.
The commissioner further said that the initiative of the royal father was a welcome development.
The Olowu commended Akamo for deeming it fit to visit and support the home, adding that he was happy and impressed about the initiative, stressing that there was always need to come to the aid of the less privileged
The first-class traditional ruler appealed to the well-to-do in the society to contribute their quota to the developmental growth of the needy.
The celebration train of the monarch moved to Custodial Centre, where food items were equally donated for the inmates, with the officials charged to ensure that the donations were judiciously used.
The inmates added glamour to the visit with the centre’s music band entertaining the guests. There was a football competition between Olu Itori football team against their Custodial Centre’s counterparts.
The two teams were drawn from the inmates who displayed their skills to the admiration of the visitors. The monarch team went home with the cup, having trashed their opponents 2-0
The monarch brought relief to 11 inmates, who were unable to offset their fines. He paid N3.2 million for them to regain freedom, as well as announced cash donation to refurbish the damaged prison van.
The celebration train later moved to State Hospital Sokenu, Abeokuta, where donation of medical materials was made, as well as the offsetting of medical bills of some patients, among whom was a woman who had a successful operation.
At the Sacred Heart Hospital, N1 million was donated as support.
