By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti.
An Ikere Ekiti born philantropist and Founder Igbekeleoluwa Foundation Engineer Igbekele Ayodele known as (AIG) has distributed cash and empowerment materials worth 10 million Naira to about 150 beneficiaries within the town.
The beneficiaries comprise of the aged, physically challenged, students from primary, secondary and the tertiary Schools in the town as well as unemployed graduates and Entrepreneurs.
The gesture was part of the activities marking the 44th birthday ceremony of Engineer Ayodele and the 2nd anniversary of the Non Governmental Organization.
The event which took place at the Chief Wole Olanipekun Bar Centre had in attendance the _creme de la creme_ in the town including the Ogoga Oba Adejimi Adu who was represented by the Eyesorun, the Vice Chancellor Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Oluremi Adeoluwa, the APC deputy Governor’s candidate Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, as well as past and present chairmen of Ikere local government and the LCDAs.
Engineer Igbekele Ayodele who thanked God for the opportunity to witness another year said that he decided to touch the lives of the people as a way of giving back to the community from where he grew.
He noted that the establishment of the foundation was to officially make it a point of duty since many people have been benefitting from the largess since God started enriching his pocket.
In his words, ” while I was growing up here, I saw how our people struggle, I also see how our leader and mentor, chief Wole Olanipekun does at making sure that smiles are put on the faces of our people, that is why on my own, I have decided to bless people in my own little way. We did not just start last year, even when I was still having meager resources, I share with people. This is what God told us to do and I have pleasures in doing it.”
He noted that the foundation has been successful and can now boast of sponsoring more than 30 graduates in school while about 9 students are currently having free University education under the foundation. About 50 pupils and secondary student got bursary and scholarship under the 2022 scheme of the foundation.
The foundation also presented cash to support the less privileged and the vulnerables as well as the Small enterprises.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of 500 cheque to the best graduate entrepreneur in the town, Mr Kehinde Ogunsuji a poultry farmer, the selection of 10 graduates from 73 who made the final list of the foundation to be assisted. The selected 10 were immediately given a cheque of #50,000, POS machine and other kits to immediately start up their businesses.
The foundation also gave a full scholarship to the best Ikere Indigene with the highest score in the current admission to the Bamidele Olumilua University.
Dignataries at the event lauded the initiative, saying that Engineer Igbekele Ayodele is following the footsteps of Chief Wole Olanipekun whose efforts is always geared towards the development of Ikere town.
The beneficiaries could not hide their joy as they appreciate the Founder of Igbekeleoluwa Foundation for prioritizing the welfares of the people despite not being a politician. They called on other privileged in the society to emulate him.
The immediate brother to the celebrant, and a member of the board of trustees to the foundation, Mr Eyitope Ayodele noted that his brother had from childhood loved and given himself to humanitarian services.
