The wife of Oyo State governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged the rich in the society to always find ways of giving back to humanity by caring for the less-privileged.
She said the rate of poverty and despair among the people has called for concerted effort to create means of survival and shelter for those in dire need, especially Nigerians suffering from loss occasioned by insurgence or natural calamities.
Mrs Makinde said this over the weekend while receiving gift items donated by MTN Foundation to Juveniles Correctional Institution and Child Care Unit, Ijokodo, Ibadan on behalf of the State government.
She said “a large percentage of Nigerian population today are going through hell on earth for reasons they were not the cause or directly responsible for, the rate of suicide and despair among Nigerians could be traced to the condition of the economy which has forced many out of their jobs and rendered many homeless.
“It is the responsibility of those who have the financial power to cater for the need of these sets of Nigerians, we urge the corporate bodies to tow the path of MTN Foundation and give back to the society by donating items that will keep those in need alive, they should start to build institutions like schools, libraries, hospitals and the rest to facilitate empowerment for those in dire need of survival.
“The present administration in Oyo State has made it the major cardinal programme to put the welfare of workers, the less-privileged and the generality of the people into consideration in all policies and activities of the government, this is reflected in the free education policy and you can see the result in the influx of pupils back to school, as financial burden on the parents are now light.
“Children used to beg in the street and those that have left school due to reasons of homelessness among others are today going to school from government-controlled orphanage homes and it is a thing of joy when you think of the outcome of such interventions,” she added.
Engr Mrs Makinde was accompanied by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Professor Bolanle Olaniyan and the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and social inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni to the event.
Earlier the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya while handing over the items donated said, the gesture was part of the organization’s corporate social responsibility to the people and a way of raising the living standard of the less privileged in the society, as according to her, everyone deserved the benefit of a conducive living.
She explained that the provision of basic living amenities and consumables to the less privileged was critical to the growth and development of the nation, emphasizing that the Foundation was passionate about making life better for the children.
Expressing her gratitude to the Foundation, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni described the gesture as timely and uplifting and appreciated the caregivers for their support, love, care and dedication to humanity, enjoining them to use the gifts donated maximally for the benefit of the children.
Items donated are consumables, toiletries, detergents, diapers among others.
