The atmosphere was filled with joy and appreciation as candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Osogbo Federal Constituency in 2023, Hon. Abosede Afolabi Kasumu , popularly known as Ogooluwakitan, officially opened the Ogooluwa Kitan Place and launched a special empowerment programme for widows under the theme “Let the Widows Smile Again.”
The event, held in Osogbo on Wednesday, drew widows from four local government area that constitute Osogbo Federal Constituency.
Political leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress across Irepodun, Olorunda, Osogbo and Orolu local government gathered as early as 9am to be part of the event.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Afolabi-Kasumu said the initiative was born out of a divine conviction to give back to society through acts of kindness and empowerment. She explained that her motivation came from her faith and a deep sense of compassion for widows.
The APC chieftain said, “The motive behind this program is very simple; it is out of giving, and it is out of God. For me, I’m a Christian, and I believe so much that in anything you do, giving is the first thing the Lord Almighty recognizes,” she said.
“I looked at the whole thing and prayed over it, asking God where to start from. Then I got the revelation to start with widows, because most of them are helpless and don’t have anybody to assist them. So I thought of what I can give them, no matter how small. Giving is the only reason I’m doing this, it’s not that I don’t have other things to spend money on, but this is a good thing, and I’m happy doing it.”
Afolabi-Kasumu said her future plans include expanding her empowerment efforts to other vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and men who also face economic hardship.
“I’m going to keep doing this empowerment. My next agenda is to give to the disabled and empower the widows even more. The men have been crying that they are also there, and I will look at what I can do for them,” she added.
Also, speaking at the event, former member of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kamil Temitope Oyedele commended Ogooluwakitan for her humanitarian gesture, describing her as a woman of vision and compassion who understands the importance of community development.
“Today signifies one of those areas where we say government alone can not do everything. You can see now that she’s giving back to the widows, and according to the Bible, those who are less privileged, the handicapped, the widows, and those without livelihood, are the people God ordains us to touch,” Oyedele said.
In his remarks, APC chieftain in Osogbo Federal Constituency, Alao Waheed described Hon. Afolabi-Kasumu as a philanthropist of repute whose passion for empowerment predates her political aspirations.
He revealed that the initiative cost over ₦10 million, stressing that her leadership would bring positive change to Osogbo Federal Constituency if given a higher mandate.
“What she is doing today is not a surprise to us. She has been doing it even before now. Her father also did wonderfully well in empowering the society. Today, she has spent over ten million naira to empower widows. If she eventually becomes the House of Representatives member to represent us, she will do even better. She will change the narratives of representation, people will laugh again,” Waheed said.
He further called on residents of Osogbo, Orolu, Irepodun, and Olorunda local governments to support her aspirations, describing her as “a good spender, a philanthropist, and a woman with a heart for the people.”
The programme ended with prayers and appreciation from beneficiaries, many of whom expressed gratitude for being remembered and supported in such challenging times.
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