The Chief Executive Officer of Okemakinde and Sons Limited, Mr. Bukola Okemakinde, popularly known as Comrade, was honoured with a Merit Award by the Ejigbo Liberation Group on Saturday as he donated a brand-new Toyota Corolla to a physically challenged Ejigbo-born musician and contributed ₦1 million towards the group’s newly launched cooperative society.
The event, held at Maria Event Centre in Ejigbo, marked the 18th anniversary of the Ejigbo Liberation Group and featured the launch of its non-interest cooperative society, presentation of awards and other community development initiatives.
In one of the highlights of the event, Okemakinde presented a car to Mr. Ajao Ibukun Joel, popularly known as Omo Ologo, a physically challenged gospel musician, in fulfilment of a promise to support his mobility and music ministry.
Speaking during the event, Okemakinde said his philanthropic gestures were not politically motivated but borne out of a desire to give back to the society that contributed to his success.
“I am not a politician. Everything I do is for the sake of humanity and philanthropy. Ejigbo has played a significant role in my journey, and I believe it is important to give back to the community that brought me into the limelight,” he said.
The businessman also announced a donation of ₦1 million to support the newly inaugurated cooperative society, established to provide financial assistance to members without interest, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The Patron of the Ejigbo Liberation Group and Asiwaju of Ejigboland, Chief Joshua Atilade Adebowale, commended Okemakinde for fulfilling his promise to donate the vehicle, describing the gesture as timely and life-changing.
According to him, the beneficiary requires reliable transportation to effectively carry out his music career and church engagements, noting that the donation would significantly improve his mobility and livelihood.
President of the Ejigbo Liberation Group Mr. Oyetayo Bankole during his welcome address, said the anniversary celebration was designed to honour individuals who have contributed to the growth of the community while also unveiling initiatives that would improve members’ welfare.
He described Okemakinde as one of the group’s committed members whose contributions to community development have remained invaluable over the years.
Bankole explained that the newly launched cooperative society would operate as a non-interest financial scheme aimed at supporting members to expand their businesses without the burden of excessive financial obligations.
While receiving the vehicle, Omo Ologo expressed heartfelt appreciation to Okemakinde, saying the donation had restored his hope after a life-changing incident left him wheelchair-bound.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Okemakinde and his family, describing the businessman as a beacon of hope to many vulnerable people in society.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of various cooperative societies, community stakeholders, members of the Ejigbo Liberation Group and other well-wishers.
Other highlights include the decoration of Chief Joshua Atilade Adebowale as Patron of the group, the decoration of Mrs. Mojirola Akintoyese, Chief Executive Officer of Mojirola Global Table Water, as Patroness, presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished personalities and the official presentation of the Toyota Corolla to Omo Ologo.
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