Well meaning Nigerians have been urged to always remember the needy with generosity as Osogbo on Saturday as food items and cash 1,000 individuals benefited from a special food support programme in Osogbo.
The annual programme, organised by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and aspirant for Osogbo state constituency, Mr Abdullahi Ayodeji Olaiya also know Ayonic, attracted clerics, community leaders and political stakeholders across Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas.
No fewer than 1,000 beneficiaries were given special Ramadan package containing rice, spaghetti, semovita, noodles, and cash gifts.
In his lecture titled “the role of goodgovernance in Islamic constitution and system,” an Islamic cleric, Ustaz Ridwanullah Opeyemi emphasised that Ramadan teaches fear of Allah, generosity and devotion.
He urged well meaning and privileged individuals in the society to always give back to the society, most especially, during the holy month of Ramadan.
“If I have, I should be able to give to those who do not have. That is the meaning of fearing Almighty Allah. We must fast, observe our prayers and do everything to seek Allah’s reward, not people’s reward. Almighty Allah urged you that have enough to always remember the needy, most especially during this month,” he said.
Ustaz Opeyemi, said the initiative began about six years ago as a response to the hardship many people experience during Ramadan.
“We initiated this about six years ago. Before politics came in, we had been supporting people in different ways helping them seek jobs, sponsoring scholarships and encouraging them,” he said.
He explained that the idea was conceived to reduce hunger during the fasting period.
“Some people used to be very hungry during Ramadan. We felt that even if we cannot curb all the hunger in the state, we should at least try to reduce it as much as we can,” he said.
Ridwan noted that the programme has grown significantly over the years, disclosing that no fewer than 1,000 people were catered for this year.
“This year happens to be the biggest we have ever done here. We are able to cater for like 1,000 people, and it will cost nothing less than six or seven million naira,” he added.
Also speaking, Alhaji Kazeem Abolore Moshood described the outreach as a yearly programme aimed at appreciating Allah and assisting the needy.
“This is an annual Ramadan programme organised by our brother. Seeing is believing on the average, at least 300 people or more will benefit from this programme,” he said.
He stressed that the initiative predated any political ambition.
“This has been his act even before he had the intention of contesting for anything. If I am not mistaken, this is about the fifth edition,” Moshood added.
Also, Hon. Oyeladun Ibrahim said the gathering focused on spiritual reflection and acts of giving during the holy month.
“This programme is focused on spiritual reflection and acts of giving,” he said, while also declaring support for political aspirations within the constituency.
Similarly, Hon. Ibrahim Taofeeq Kayode, an aspirant for House of Representatives in Osogbo Federal Constituency, urged youths to emulate such charitable gestures.
“It has been a tradition, and we urge youths like us to keep doing this because it is an inspiration for all of us,” he said.
He advised that the programme should be sustained beyond politics.
“It should not be because of politics. He should continue doing this, and God will continue to replenish him to do more,” Kayode added.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that the support would ease the burden of feeding during the fasting period.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a period of fasting, prayer and charity, with increased emphasis on supporting the less privileged.
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