By Thomas Abidoye
The Chief Executive Officer of Okemakinde & Son’s Limited, Comrade Bukola Okemakinde, has received the Meritorious Award of Excellence in Service and donated a brand-new Toyota Corolla to an Ejigbo-born musician, Mr. Ajao Ibukun Joel, popularly known as Omo Ologo.
Okemakinde also donated ₦1 million towards the launch of the Ejigbo Liberation Group Cooperative Society during the group’s 18th anniversary celebration held on Sunday at Maria Event Centre in Ejigbo, Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Patron and Chief Host of the group, the Asiwaju of Ejigboland, Chief Atilade Adebowale, described the donation of the vehicle as a remarkable gesture that would improve the mobility of the beneficiary.
He explained that the recipient, Omo Ologo, is a physically challenged musician who requires support to move around, adding that the vehicle would ease his movement, support his work and assist him in carrying out his church activities.
Chief Adebowale appreciated Comrade Okemakinde for the gesture, praying for greater success, divine blessings and continuous growth in his personal and professional endeavours.
He also commended members of the Ejigbo Liberation Group for their commitment to the development of the community, noting that they have consistently supported meaningful programmes and contributed positively to the growth of Ejigboland.
Also speaking, the President of the Ejigbo Liberation Group, Mr. Oyetayo Bankole, said the anniversary celebration featured the presentation of the Award of Excellence, the donation of a vehicle and the launch of the cooperative society.
Bankole described Comrade Okemakinde as a vibrant and committed member of the group who has continued to contribute to the development of the community.
He said the organisation remains committed to humanitarian services through healthcare interventions, youth development programmes, sports, awareness campaigns and skills acquisition initiatives for vulnerable members of the community.
According to him, the newly launched cooperative society is a non-interest scheme established to support members by providing financial assistance to grow their businesses without placing unnecessary financial burdens on them.
The president added that the initiative was designed to promote self-reliance and improve the welfare of members of the association.
According to him, “Today, we are marking our 18th anniversary. Part of the celebration is the presentation of the car you are seeing behind me. The donor is our brother and a member of the Ejigbo Liberation Group, Comrade Bukola Okemakinde. He is well known in Ejigbo. He is a very intelligent, vibrant, and kind man who has contributed to this community. The Ejigbo Liberation Group is all about humanitarian activities and services. We provide humanitarian services to our community here in Ejigboland.”
In his remarks, the beneficiary of the vehicle, Mr. Ajao Ibukun Joel, popularly known as Omo Ologo, expressed appreciation to Comrade Okemakinde for the gift, saying the donation had restored his hope after a life-changing accident left him using a wheelchair.
He said the gesture made him realise that life was not over despite his condition, expressing gratitude to the donor and praying for greater blessings, continued success and double promotion for Comrade Okemakinde.
