25th June, 2018
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged Nigerians to show love to the less privileged by assisting them with their needs and giving them hope for a brighter future.
The Ooni spoke during a concert and launch of “Give Back” project, pioneered by “Hopes Alive Initiative” (HAI) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that ended in the early hours of Monday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said, “I have made up my mind to serve the less privileged because I have discovered that to work with them is my ministry.
“Working for these people in such a project as this puts smiles on their faces and affords them the opportunities to meet with important personalities in the society.
“I am similarly appealing to good spirited Nigerians to join me in this ministry by supporting NGOs that cater for the down trodden in several ways,’’ he said.
The monarch said that he would continue to organise an annual concert where the oppressed, the down trodden, children with special needs and even widows, would be given hopes for survival.
He disclosed that drawing from his life as a testimony of the wonders of God, he would consistently gather and celebrate the less privileged.
Ooni , the chief convener of the concert, said that he would make them enjoy what normal persons were enjoying from well spirited Nigerians.
“These persons have outstanding talents that must not be hidden; we should not underestimate any creature, no matter the disability, the success to life lies in giving.
“The testimony has been proven in my life that the more I give, the more I receive. And the best approach to life is to inculcate the spirit of giving to the needy,” he said.
Also, Temitope Adesegun, the deputy convener of HAI, and the organiser of the Giveback Concert, appreciated Oba Ogunwusi, for his consistent support to the project which she said started in 2017.
She also commended him for his selfless service to humanity and for creating a platform that pioneered the NGO that caters for the down trodden in the society.
“This edition is special because it provides opportunities for the monarch to have direct interaction with these group of persons and proffer solutions to their socioeconomic challenges,” she said.
A seasoned actor, Saheed Balogun told NAN that such an initiative by the traditional ruler should be emulated by other government functionaries and good spirited individuals.
“It is a good move, it is always good for one to support the needy and the less privileged in the society because they are creations of God like us,” he said.
Balogun advised his fellow actors to support the monarch’s initiative aimed at rendering assistance to the less privileged.
Also, Mrs Solayide Olaseinde, the proprietor of Christ Orphanage Home, Ondo in Ondo State, described the Ooni’s gesture as “Lifesaving”.
“This is our second appearance in the programme and I can say that this one is a better performance than last year’s own because the Kabiyesi is personally involved.
“He is an honest and caring man that makes sure his friends support his cause and also fulfill their pledges, “she said.
Some of the artists that performed at the concert include: Kenny Blaq, Woli Arole, Gbenga Adeyinka, Wolesax, Wole Oni and man, Footprints of David and the School for the blind.
Some of the highlights of events also include: fund raising, rendition of the national anthem in Ife language and performance of USA for Africa, “We are the world” by all the children.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries and entertainers.