The king of Itori kingdom, in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State, Oba Fatai Akamo on Monday extended gestures to needy which include inmates of a Correctional Centre, children of the Stella Obasanjo Children Home and patients at the State Hospital, Sokenu and Sacred Heart Hospital, Abeokuta.
The gesture was part of activities marking his 21st coronation anniversary, which kicked off with a press conference held in his palace in Itori town.
Akamo was accompanied by his chiefs as well as Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, alongside other dignitaries.
The first point of call was the Stella Obasanjo Children Home located within the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta, where he donated food and house items.
The Olu Itori used the opportunity to announce that he would equally support the home towards the completion of the ongoing hall construction within the premises of the home
The traditional ruler, as part of additional support for the home, was able to raise over N5million through some notable dignitaries who followed him for the home.
Akamo, going memory lane, disclosed that he equally passed through the stage the inmates found themselves, explaining that after his birth at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, he was at the hospital for over two years to survive hardship.
The monarch said no child should be looked down on, or written off, using himself as a good example, who despite his predicament in childhood, ended up becoming relevant in the society
The children at the home added glamour to the visit as they engaged in cultural display, as well as series of melodious songs, which attracted Olu of Itori and Olowu of Owu Kingdom, who joined the children in dancing
The entourage was received by the management of the home led by the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Community Development, Adijat Adeleye, who expressed appreciation to the monarch.
She said the Ministry was happy over the gesture of the traditional ruler, adding that the management wasn’t surprised in view of the known fact that he has always showed interest to plights of the needy.
The Commissioner added that the initiative of the royal father was a welcome development.
The Olowu commended Oba Akamo for deeming it fit to visit and support the home, adding that he was happy and impressed about the initiative, stressing that there was always need to come to the aid of the less privileged
The first-class traditional ruler pointed out that government cannot do it alone, and therefore appealed to the well to do in the society to consider need to contribute their quota to the developmental growth of the needy.
The celebration train of the monarch, thereafter, moved to the Correctional Centre, where food items were equally donated for the inmates, with charge to the officials to ensure that the donations were judiciously used.
The inmates added glamour to the visit with the centre’s music band entertaining the guests, and there was a football competition between Olu Itori Soccer team and Correctional Soccer team.
The two teams, who were drawn from the inmates, displayed their soccer skills to the admiration of the visitors, and at the end of the competition, the monarch’s team went home with the cup, having trashed the opponent 2-0.
The monarch brought relief for 11 inmates who were unable to offset their fines. He made payment of N3.2million to regain their freedom, as well as announced cash donation to refurbish the damaged prison van.
The celebration train later moved to State Hospital Sokenu, Abeokuta where the king donated medical materials, as well as offset medical bills of some patients, which include a woman who had a recent operation.
The Olu-Itori and his team later moved to Sacred Heart Hospital, where the sum of N1million was donated as support for the hospital.
