The traditional chieftaincy head of Oke-Emo community area of Ilawe-Ekiti, in Ekiti South West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, High Chief Gbenga Agbona has called on all levels of government to consider introducing food banks, to be able to fully address issues of abject poverty and hunger in the country.
Chief Agbona, spoke on Thursday in Ilawe-Ekiti, his country home, at the distribution of food items, worth millions of naira to a total of 150 persons in the area, which he single-handedly sponsored, as a result of the current economic situation in the country.
According to him, many individuals and homes in the country, had been badly battered by the current reality of the situation, hence the need for government to intervene.
” I believe that many Nigerian people across regions are not left out, and have thus become so badly affected by the current economic realities, and it therefore behoves on governments at all levels to rise to the occasion by coming up with result oriented ideas, such as establishing food bank, because none of them can pretend not to knowing that Nigerians in their millions are suffering.
” It is in the reality of this that I decided what I am distributing today, by committing over N1.5million, which I see as my own little way of ameliorating their suffering.
” I felt that through the kind assistance of my close friends, many of who I can no mention here, the people of Oke-Emo Community in Ilawe- Ekiti should be my point of action, as well as attraction, in distributing these food Items, as well as cash to the residents “, he said.
Beneficiaries of the programme, who are majorly aged, widows, widowers and less privileged, were carefully selected by Heads of the five quarters that made up the community, namely Ilero, Oke-lemo Idofin, Ijimo and Oke-Gbede.
Agbona affirmed that the gesture was to support the less privileged in the community, in view of the current hardship in the country occasioned by inflation.
He explained that the food items were procured, through the financial donations by some kind hearted sons and daughters of the community, both within and outside the country, who were contacted by the elders of Oke Emo.
According to him, the elders do not want a situation whereby anyone would go to bed hungry.
The Elemo noted that Ekiti government, under current governor of Biodun Biodun Oyebanji is trying his possible best, in addressing food shortage, and support the vulnerable ones.
He said if every community and individuals had in the past, complemented government’s efforts, the society would have been a better place.
NAN further reports that Items distributed are rice, beans and gaari, with a promise that much more would still be done, including free medical check-ups, and treatment for all the aged.
According to him, a native of the community, Mrs. Modupe Akinwumi Adebowale, through a foundation she set up, in honour of her mother, Felicia Obasola, had also earlier given out N50,000 each to four persons in the
community, to support their businesses.
” She also sent in some food items and clothes, to be distributed, using my personal discretion.
In a separate interview, some of the beneficiaries, who could not hide their feelings, were seen, singing and dancing to show appreciation.
Highpoint of the programme was a special prayer for those who donated towards the project, as well as peace of the community.
