Residents of Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State were pleasantly surprised on Saturday when the Okarufe Cultural Foundation, OCF, a local non-governmental organization, donated a wheelchair to a physically challenged woman.
Also, the renowned foundation awarded cash gifts to three residents for their outstanding achievements. During the 2024 Oka Day festival, OCF also distributed bags of rice and bottled water to over 1,000 attendees at the Palace of the Olubaka of Okaland.
The Oka Day festival, an annual celebration of the new yam festival, attracts sons and daughters of the community from near and far.
Speaking at the vibrant event, Governor Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed his pleasure at the ongoing significant developments in the area and affirmed the government’s commitment to continue supporting residents.
He said, “Let me say that I am proud to see the progress you have made together as a community. Yours is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal. I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of community leaders, volunteers, and residents who have contributed to the community’s growth and success. Your dedication and commitment are the driving force behind this monumental progress.
“As we celebrate today, let us also look to the future. Let us continue to build a community that is inclusive, equitable, and just for all. Let us work together to address the challenges we face and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
It is essential for us to assure you that our administration is committed to supporting our communities’ continued growth and development.
“We shall continue to invest in initiatives that benefit our residents, support local businesses, and enhance our quality of life. Apart from this, we remain committed to our constitutional mandate of providing for the welfare and security of the people of Ondo State.
Earlier, the paramount ruler of the community, Oba. Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, praised the residents for their uttermost cooperation with the traditional institution and security agencies to strengthen the security of Oka.
Oba. Adebori lauded the unrivaled efforts of the leadership of Okarufe Cultural Foundation in easing the burden of residents amidst the somewhat unfavorable economy, stressing that OCF had extended hands of help to distressed residents in dire needs.
Also speaking, the President of OCF, Chief Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf, unveiled the feats of the organisation since its establishment, stating that
“In time past, OCF provided cash for the renovation of the Judiciary Building in Oka; released N2m as deposit for the land for building Divisional Police Headquarters in Oka; purchased international flight ticket to needy Oka student to do his Ph.D program in USA, and N1.4M to renovate the burnt house of a fellow Oka man, a farmer! We also buried our community hero Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa in grand style in early May.
“Firstly, OCF is giving paltry food to about 1000 attendees of Oka Day 2024. These free foodstuffs consist of rice, vegetable oil, and 65 crates of customized bottled water.
“Secondly, we are recognizing three talented Oka-born musicians: two female and a male – Lady Sarah Oluwasesin (Ebo Quarter), Mrs. Florence Patrick (Owa).
Similar, the Publicity secretary of OCF, Dr. Henry Oripeloye thanked members of OCF for their unsparing generosity channeled to the less privileged.
In the same vein, the Vice-Chancellor of Sam Maris University, Prof. Francis Gbore, assured residents that OCF would leave no stone unturned to better the lives of the that inhabitants.
However the beneficiaries of the cash gifts, including the physically challenged woman, Mrs. Florence Patrick, expressed appreciation to OCF the kind gesture.