Hon. Oyeladun Ibrahim, popularly known as Benko, in collaboration with the Ar-Rahamon Empowerment Foundation, has distributed food items and empowerment tools to residents in Osogbo, Osun State, as part of efforts to support the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan.
Beneficiaries received food items at the event on Saturday, while empowerment tools including three sewing machines, one vulcanising machine and one hair dryer were distributed to selected beneficiaries to support their livelihoods.
Speaking at the programme, Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the initiative, describing the annual outreach as a way of supporting vulnerable members of society during Ramadan.
“We give glory to Almighty Allah for making this programme possible. This initiative happens every year, and the purpose is to support the less privileged and the masses with food items so they can enjoy the month of Ramadan,” he said.
He added that the empowerment tools were meant to help beneficiaries become self-reliant and improve their economic conditions.
“I personally donated sewing machines, a vulcanising machine and other items to empower members of the public so that they can sustain themselves and their families,” Ibrahim stated.
The lawmaker also used the opportunity to rally support for the governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), ahead of the next Osun State election.
“My message to everyone is to support our party and our governorship candidate so that he can become the next governor of Osun State,” he said.
He further encouraged individuals who are financially capable to assist others in society.
“Anybody who is in a position to help the public should do so. It is not about anything else; the reward will surely come back to the person who provides help for the people,” he added.
Director-General of the Ar-Rahamon Empowerment Foundation, Bamidele Mutiu, said the organisation was established to cater for vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans and other less privileged individuals.
“Ar-Rahamon Empowerment Foundation is a foundation for the less privileged. We take care of widows, orphans and others who need support in society,” he said.
Mutiu stressed that the foundation does not discriminate based on religion or background.
“There is no discrimination in our foundation. We don’t look at religion. Anyone who is willing to benefit from our programmes can come to our office, fill out our form and register,” he explained.
He also spoke on the foundation’s loan empowerment programme, which provides soft loans to women and small-scale traders.
“We run a loan empowerment programme for women. It is a soft loan with very little conditions. We give the loan so that they can use it for their businesses and return it later,” he said.
“We don’t collect interest on the loan. The goal is to help people grow. Only Allah can solve all the problems in society, but we are trying our best to support the people,” Mutiu added.
He further advised members of the foundation to remain selfless in their service to the community.
“If you want to work with Ar-Rahamon, you must not be greedy. You must have the people in your heart and think about the community before yourself,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Imam Badmus Isa Abdulwaheed commended the foundation for its longstanding humanitarian efforts, noting that the organisation has maintained its philanthropic activities for 19 years.
“They are known to be an organisation that always lends a helping hand to people in the community. This is the 19th year they are organising this programme,” he said.
Abdulwaheed noted that the organisation has become well known across Osogbo and neighbouring states in the South-West for its charitable programmes.
“In the nooks and crannies of Osogbo and even neighbouring states, Ar-Rahamon is known as a philanthropic organisation that always puts smiles on the faces of people, especially the less privileged, widows and artisans,” he said.
He added that the foundation also operates various schemes, including microfinance initiatives aimed at supporting traders and artisans.
“They have different schemes designed to assist people from time to time, including microfinance programmes that help traders and artisans grow their businesses,” he explained.
Abdulwaheed urged wealthy individuals in society to emulate the foundation’s humanitarian efforts.
“All what we have in this world today, we did not come with it and we will not leave the earth with it. The best thing is to use it to make impact in the lives of people,” he said.
“It is when you help others that the reward will await you before Almighty Allah on the Day of Al-Qiyamah,” he added.
He also encouraged Muslims around the world to take advantage of the Ramadan period to increase acts of worship and generosity.
“This is a period for Muslims to maximise their rewards before Almighty Allah. We should double our acts of charity, generosity and good deeds during this holy month,” he said.
Guest lecturer at the event, Sheikh Ridwanullah Opeyemi, delivered a sermon based on Quranic teachings, urging Muslims to fulfil their promises and remain committed to their religious obligations.
“Our message today is based on the teachings of the Quran, which instruct us to fulfil our promises and remain steadfast in our acts of worship,” he said.
“We also encourage people to observe their Salat regularly and spend in the cause of Almighty Allah while striving to be good leaders in society,” he added.
Opeyemi emphasised that positions and leadership ultimately come from Allah.
“You may seek a particular position in life, but it is Almighty Allah who gives leadership to whoever He wishes. Therefore, we must remain just and kind to others,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Abdul-Razak Nafisat, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ibrahim and the Ar-Rahamon Foundation for the support provided to the community.
“We are very grateful for this support. The food items and empowerment tools will go a long way in helping many families during Ramadan,” he said.
Dignitaries present at the event included the governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO); Hon. Ibrahim Taofeek Kayode, popularly known as ITK, Hon.Lekan Olatunji, among other political leaders and community stakeholders.
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