The Okere of Sakiland, Oba (Dr) Khalid Olabisi Ayinla Ado on Thursday greatly commended former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and an illustrious son of Oke-Ogun, Chief Ahmed Raji, SAN for their philanthropic gestures particularly a free medical outreach for the people of the area, urging them not to rest on their oars.
The Okere of Saki land, His Majesty, Oba Khalid Olabisi who led the Oke Ogun Traditional Council of Obas to the event gave the commendation on behalf of the entire people of Oke-Ogun.
The Obasanjo Foundation in partnership with Chief Ahmed Raji SAN embarked on a four day free health care services for the people of Saki in which no fewer than ten thousand people with eyes and hear challenges benefitted.
The programme, which was a replica of the one earlier held at iseyin, gave the people of Oke-Ogun another opportunity to benefit from the programme tagged “So Nigerians Can Hear.”
While speaking, Oba Khalid Olabisi appreciated the duo of Chief Obasanjo and Barr Raji for the initiative towards ameliorating people’s health challenges and described the gesture similar to Zakat, an offering normally performed by Muslims to assist the less previledged members of the society.
The first class monarch stressed that health is essential, saying without good health, wealth is nothing.
He thereafter prayed for the donors and others who are instrumental to the success of the laudable programme.
Oba Olabisi also seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of unity among the people of Oke-Ogun. According to him, “Oke Ogun people are one entity as exemplified by Oke Ogun traditional institution”, he stated.
He, however, urged eminent sons and daughters of Oke Ogun, particularly the political class to see themselves as one for the overall development of the region.
The monarch also admonished nursing mothers on the importance of child birth registration. He enjoined parents and guardians to avail their children the opportunity of birth registration programme.
Speaking with newsmen, the legal luminary, Chief Ahmed Raji underscored the importance of sound health. He quoted late Alafin of Oyo and said there are three basic essential things for human existence.
According to him, health of mankind is above long life and wealth. He emphasized that hearing and sight in yoruba parlance is the king of the body, saying when it goes home, the body amounts to nothing.
Chief Raji, while commending Chief Obasanjo and his medical team led by Dr Olalekan Makinde for the initiative, stressed that the gesture was aimed at complimenting government’s efforts, saying government cannot do it alone.
The iseyin born legal icon stressed that apportioning blames or pointing of accusing fingers on any government official is uncalled for but every individual should be ready to contribute their own quota.
He, however, assured the people of Kishi and Igboho of more intervention programmes from Obasanjo foundation, particularly on diabetes syndrome, adding that Chief Obasanjo’s intervention programmes are in phases.
In his goodwill message, Professor Adeolu Akande described the initiative as a good omen for the people of Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
He emphasized that government cannot provide all healthcare support for the people of the society without the contribution of well meaning individuals.
He thereafter commended Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Barr Ahmed Raji for their philanthropic gestures.
Prof Akande also urged beneficiaries of the programme to follow the health protocols and instructions given by medical experts.
While speaking on the need for the unity of the people of Oke-Ogun, Prof Akande emphasized that oneness of the people of Oke-Ogun is sacrosanct.
The epoch event had in attendance Oke-Ogun traditional rulers, former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Muktar Abimbola; former Commissioner of Police, Sulaimon Lawal Oroyinyin; Chief Imam of Iseyin land, Imam Akeem Olajori; Secretary, Oke Ogun League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Abdulrahman Titilope and members of Starkey Hearing Foundation, among others.
