A traditional ruler has hailed billionaire businessman, Tunde Ayeni for distributing 6000 bags of rice to households in Okun Land, Kogi State as palliatives following the lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
The bags of rice were distributed through 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.
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Oba Owoniyi stated that the donation was first of its kind in the history of Okun land by a non-politician since the lockdown while expressing his appreciation to Ayeni for the philanthropic gesture and prayed God to reward him abundantly.
“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. On behalf of all of us in Okun, we want to thank Ayeni very wholeheartedly. I want to advise that these items must be shared among those they are meant for (the less privileged),” the Paramount Okun Ruler said.
Responding, the business magnate who was represented by his elder brother and the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni said that the donation was to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home directive by the government, which he said has affected the economic life of the people.
According to him, the Foundation, which was established in honour of the late Miss Oluwatoyin, his younger sister who died as a result of a snakebite 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.
He said that Coronavirus is real and advised the people to adhere strictly to the health protocols as provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
On his part, the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi, who spoke on behalf of Yagba Federal Constituency, and other benefiting communities thanked the business magnate for identifying with the people at this critical period and prayed God to replenish him.
