…..As Olubaka announces the return of First Bank to Oka.
The residents of Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State were delighted on Saturday, 03 August, as a non-governmental organization in the agrarian community, named Okarufe Cultural Foundation (OCF) donated essential commodities to them and an ultra modern wheelchair to a physically-challenged mother of three musician.
The nascent NGO splashed cash gifts as honorarium to three singers of Oka extraction being recognized as Okarufe Cultural Ambassadors for their distinguished performance at promoting Oka language and ancestral heritage.
The Foundation distributed bags of rice and branded bottled water to over 1000 residents who converged on the Palace of Olubaka of Okaland to celebrate the 2024 Oka Day ceremony.
The annual festival celebrates the harvest of new yam, a feast widely celebrated by all sons and daughters of the Okaland, home and abroad.
Speaking at the glamorous traditional event, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed delight at the landmark development in Oka Akoko, noting that the government will continue to do its best to cater for the peace-loving people.
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 your community leaders, volunteers, and residents who have contributed to the growth and success of Oka Day.
“Your dedication and commitment are the driving forces 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, HRM Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye OON, praised the residents for their wholesome cooperation with the traditional institution and security agencies to strengthen the security in Oka.
Oba. Adebori lauded the leadership of Okarufe Cultural Foundation in various ways they have lessened the burden of residents in precarious socio-economic situation.
The ageless monarch stressed that OCF has extended hands of help to distressed residents in dire needs at different times, thus strengthening the bond of unity and love in his domain.
Olubaka also added that the First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has returned back into the community and would operation momentarily.
In his speech, the President of OCF, Chief Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf, who was represented by an EXCO member, disclosed some of the marvelous feats of his organisation since its establishment a few years ago, 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 a needy Oka student to do his Ph.D program in USA, and gave N1.4M to renovate the burnt house of a fellow Oka man, a farmer! We also buried in grand style our community hero, Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, last May.
“Currently, OCF is
giving essential foodstuffs 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 (Owalusin) and Mr. Taiwo Ejire.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of OCF, Dr. Henry Oripeloye thanked members of OCF for their immense generosity channeled towards alleviation of poverty amongst the less privileged.
The Vice Chancellor of Sam Maris University, Prof. Francis Gbore, OCF Provost, assured residents that OCF would leave no stone unturned to better the lives of through people-centered and transparent charitable activities.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries of the cash gifts, the physically challenged Mrs. Patrick expressed heartfelt appreciation to the BoT and EXCO of OCF for their kind gestures.
