Prominent philanthropist, who is popularly known as Agba’Akin Benedict Akika, on Tuesday, celebrated his birthday with the official launch of a non-governmental organization, ‘Omituntun Benedict Foundation (OBF)’, aimed at youth empowerment and community development.
The celebrant, who also marked the anniversary with the widows in the community, played a host to them at his residence at Delight Estate, Olorunda, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Similarly, prominent stakeholders and government functionaries, political associates in the state were hosted for a grand reception.
While speaking with journalists during the event, Akika expressed overwhelming gratitude to well wishers who came to celebrate with him and equally gave a hint on his vision for the new organization.
He said: “OBF would provide mentorship, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to the less privileged and young people.
“I can tell you that today marks a new chapter in my life, and I am committed to making a lasting impact through OBF.”
When asked why he celebrated his birthday anniversary with the widows, he alluded to the current harsh economic condition of the country, saying “there is hunger and suffering in the land.”
Adding, he said: “Everybody understands the situation of the country and I feel a lot of people need help. And, for me, the best thing is to reach out to those I know as underprivileged ones. I know they don’t have and that is why I am doing everything within my capability to make the widows happy, though I have been doing it before. So, I am celebrating with them today.
“The widows here today are much. I have been supporting them before through empowerment items. I give them funds sometimes to support their businesses and other items including freezers, sewing machines, grinding machines.
“I started eight years ago and God has been supporting me. This month alone, we have given more than ten sewing machines, four grinding machines. We gave out one today and before the end of the month, I may still give out some.”
Akiika, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their neighbours and have-nots in this current austere period and always reach out to the underprivileged in their own little way.
“I want to call on the privileged ones in our society to give to those who don’t have. The money they have should not be for them and their families alone. They should reach out to those who don’t have too because people are really suffering,” Akiika stated.
Responding to insinuations on whether or not he his nursing political ambition, Akiika explained that he was only interested in offering humanitarian service to the people.
“I am not doing all of these for political reasons. A lot of people have asked me why I am giving out to the people in this manner thinking I want to contest for a political position but I tell them no. I am not contesting for any seat.
“During the last election, some people thought I already collected form to contest Oyo State House of Assembly election but they were surprised to later know that I did not. They were shocked. So, they said they have not seen a kind of person like this before o. But sincerely, it is God, not me.”
