What do you see
when you fix your gaze upon the indigents and less privileged? Some would see a
people requiring your pity while others would see the fierce urgency to grow,
perhaps financially, materially and otherwise, in order to be the change they
want to see in the world.
You might think
that all they require is your unrestrained show of sympathy and the giving of
alms and hand-outs. Yes, they do require these things and more. However, that
is not all you can do. Rather than your perpetual pity or periodic pittance,
they will be glad to have support to enable them evolve and manifest their
potential and latent possibilities. By helping out in this direction, you will
not only have and possess enough to make substantial contributions to assuage
their plight, but your story and presence will automatically give them the
opportunity and permission to do the same.
Charities all over
the world help to save and improve people’s lives – fighting diseases,
protecting children, and giving hope to thousands of people. In Ikole Ekiti,
Ekiti State, one of its illustrious sons, Funso Ayeni celebrated his 40th birthday
and offered to inspire the less privileged. The celebration attracted indigenes
as well as relatives, friends and well-wishers from far and near who trooped to
rejoice with the philanthropist on the occasion.
Among the series of
commemorative activities was a town storming by the indigenes tagged ‘Walk for
Hope,’ an annual early morning activity of the Funso Ayeni Foundation (FAF).
“It is one of the many ways we foster unity, rekindle hopes and reinforce the
benefits in togetherness. The fifth anniversary of this activity coincides with
my 40th birthday celebrations, hence the entire family and the FAF Boards of
Trustees decided to increase the scope this year,” Ayeni explained. Over 30,000
participants were involved in the Walk for Hope event.
Speaking about how
he feels at 40, Ayeni confessed that he was overwhelmed by the show of love
from friends, relatives and indigenes who stormed the town from far and near to
celebrate the new chapter in his life. “Forty has dawned on me to count God’s
blessings in my life. I realise age is not just a number, but the fulfilment of
purpose on earth. It’s been so fulfilling, exciting and more rewarding,” he
admitted.
Ayeni celebrated by
intensifying his humanitarian efforts to give hopes to thousands of indigenes
and improve their life through gifts and other opportunities for youths’
expression in the community. The activities were coordinated by the
FAF. “I believe so strongly that we are created for a purpose.
Conceived to serve as many as possible, FAF’s Hope for All initiative seeks to
renew the hope of the common man and helps to rekindle the optimism in their
existence. “Through the initiative, many ‘HOPES’ have been restored and many
reawakened,” the celebrant affirmed.
The foundation is
increasingly gaining and gradually achieving its desired objectives. Ayeni said
that it would continue to do more in the near future to raise the standard of
living of indigenes and others in the society. “Through the supports from
families, friends and other charity organisations, we introduced ATEWO ENI to
support the ‘active poor’ in the society. Through this, we aimed at alleviating
poverty by encouraging those that can work and make a living for themselves
doing petty trading rather than begging. It is a continuous programme and we
hope to touch as many as we can before the next annual celebration,” he
revealed.
Some of the
beneficiaries and indigenes expressed delight at the initiative and commended
the celebrant for coming to the aid of the community to make an impact. They
prayed for him to have prosperous years in good health and wealth to champion
the causes of the foundation. Hundreds have benefited and the Foundation is
increasing the number daily.
It was indeed an
atmosphere of love and sharing with loads of entertainment that featured the
popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi thrilling the crowd. Popular afro pop singer,
Iledare Oluwajuwonlo, known by his stage name of Jaywon, was also present to
spice up the occasion with his rhythmic melodies. Other fuji and pop stars also
lightened up the occasion with
popular Nollywood star Odunlade Adekola as the compere.
His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye
Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II was represented at the event, whileother notable personalities included High
Chief Tunde Ogunleye, Ekiti State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr Deji
Adesua and the 24 Obas in Ikole Local Government Area of the state.
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