Yuletide: Foundation distributes over 10,000 food boxes to Ekiti residents

…rallies support for Oyebanji’s govt

In the spirit of end-of-year festivities and yuletide, the Jide Akinyemi Foundation (JAF) has distributed no fewer than 10,000 food boxes to vulnerable individuals and families across the 16 Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Speaking during the distribution in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the founder of the foundation, Jide Akinyemi, explained that the gesture was aimed at easing the usual burden associated with the festive period on the less privileged families and households in the state.

Akinyemi who also visited the state secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said the foundation’s annual Christmas outreach is aimed at ensuring that vulnerable members of society are able to celebrate the season with dignity.

Addressing speculations that the event might be linked to political ambition, the philanthropist dismissed such claims, stressing that the foundation’s activities are purely humanitarian and supportive of governance.

He further disclosed that the foundation plans to expand its interventions by 2026 to reach more communities and social groups across Ekiti State.

Akinyemi who hails from Ayedun-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state used this ceremony to declare support for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the state.

On the rationale for supporting the Oyebanji administration, the foundation’s founder said the government has performed creditably in key areas, including workers’ welfare, pension payments, social interventions and infrastructure development.

He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to complementing government efforts, noting that if government performance covers 95%, civil society organisations can help bridge the remaining gap for the benefit of the people.

Akinyemi said, “We are here to celebrate Christmas with our people and to ensure that everyone can enjoy the season. Many people struggle to afford food at this time, so providing food items is our way of sharing joy and hope.

“Across the world, governments cannot do everything alone. That is why foundations and NGOs exist to complement government efforts. Supporting the government does not mean political ambition, it means supporting good governance.

“For the first time in a long while, people across the state are speaking with one voice about governance. Workers are paid, senior citizens receive their pensions and there are visible initiatives that touch the lives of the people. It is only normal to support a governor, Biodun Oyebanji that is doing well.”

Receiving the entrepreneur as a member of the party,  Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Eleshin hailed the convener for supporting the people with relief packages, saying the gesture reaffirmed his commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of the residents.

He described his decision to join the party as great news for APC, saying Ekiti is in dire need of some patriotic citizens like him to complement the efforts of the government by contributing to the welfare of residents through their respective quarters.

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