BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Women who are indigent and others living with disabilities have been empowered with mini-buses, sewing machines, freezers, and money by a non-governmental organisation, Yeye Dupe Adeleke Sanni Foundation.
At the poverty alleviation and empowerment programme held in Ede, Osun State and sponsored by Mrs. Dupe Adeleke Sanni, elder sister to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, 30 mini shuttle buses, 60 freezers, 30 grinding machines, 9 hair dryers and 20 sewing machines with N100,000 each were distributed to the beneficiaries including those on wheel chairs, poor women and albinos.
In his remarks at the event, Governor Adeleke called on rich and well-meaning Nigerians to invest part of their wealth in philanthropy.
The governor said helping the less privileged to stand on their feet was equal to building the blocks of a virile and enterprising society.
He noted that philanthropy was a call to service that every privileged citizen must heed, regardless of religion, ethnicity and political leaning.
He said further that no human society could truly be called great if it left behind a sizeable segment of its population to wallow in poverty and want.
“I am happy to associate with my sister and mother as she keeps the family tradition growing. This is a very commendable action.
“This is a challenge to all well to do Osun residents. We must support the poor, the weak and the challenged. Society grows best when we love our neighbour as ourselves,” the governor said.
The founder, Mrs. Dupe Adeleke Sanni, said her greatest passion was bringing happiness and laughter to the troubled.
She stated that the major reason for the empowerment initiative was to give some of the less privileged across the state a new lease of life.
“My life is an embodiment of giving and caring to the needy. Behind my public activism is a very strong passion for the materially challenged in the society.
“Today is thus a day of empowerment from me as a private individual who is upholding a glorious family tradition.
“For this empowerment event, beneficiaries cut across the entire state. The goal is to equip beneficiaries with sustainable economic materials,” she said.
The philanthropist said her initiative would venture next into supporting early school leavers, school drop outs, street urchins, teen mothers and orphans.
The beneficiaries could not hide their joy at the kindness shown to them as they heaped praises on the donor.