The immediate past Chairman, The Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun has admonished the Nigerian elites to pay attention and offer pathways to the growing social tension in the land or be prepared to face the dire consequences.
Speaking at the 27th edition of the Scholarship Award Scheme and 4th Empowerment Programme instituted by the Wole Olanipekun Foundation(WOF) , the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) disclosed that the uninspiring economic realities is creating tension, unrest, anxiety, pressure, confusion, hatred, anguish, pain, distress and transferred aggression among many people.
At the ceremony held in Ikere-Ekiti, the countryhome of the legal icon,no fewer than 1050 people benefitted from the schemes.
The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) specifically called on wealthy Nigerians to rise to the ocassion and be more benevolent, as many people world over are facing hard times and conditions in different dimensions.
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“The poverty level in Nigeria today is not just scary but also terrifying, as over 70 percent of Nigerians rudderless, poverty stricken”,adding that Nigeria’s problem is compounded by the burden of insecurity.
“This situation then beckons to those who have received God’s benevolence to also tap from God’s attribute of compassion by lending helping hands to their fellow human beings.
Olanipekun said ” If you are sleeping and snoring in your house and you care less about your neighbour ; the cries of your neighbours will wake you up one day and you may not be able to sleep again.We have a lot of people that are hungry, thirsty, poverty stricken in the society. We have to lift up souls. The essence of today is, how do we add value to humanity. ”
“How much it is essential to lift people up from their ugly and terrible situations. I came from this environment and I have been trying to lift people up to help them to grow and be lifted up. It takes grace to give, it takes grace to recognize people that are in need”.
“The essence of humanity is to add value to lives, adding that, there are lots of hungry people who have been affected by the economic downturn, as such, called for more collaborations from well meaning Nigerians.
250 students were captured in the scholarship category, ranging from secondary schools to university/law school education levels, 100 youth were beneficiaries in the empowerment while 100 aged and widows received grants. Another flavour to the annual event was the distributions of palliatives to over 600 beneficiaries.
In his address, governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, described Wole Olanipekun, as a very hard working man, ready to share what humanity has blessed him with others.
In his remarks, the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele commended the Initiative, saying that, he is glad to be part of the process.
Senator Bamidele described Chief Olanipekun as a celebrated citizen and hero of Nigeria, with a good heart ,with strength of character.
He also thanked Olanipekun for his dedication to his community in all times and in all ramifications.
Bamidele, noted that Olanipekun’s integrity and consistencies as a role model has brought different personalities to him at all times.
“Today’s event is the confirmation of a true and age-long philosophy that no ‘man owns himself to himself alone’. Every man owns himself probably to his immediate family, community or society and that is what Chief Wole Olanipekun has demonstrated today. I am glad to be a part of it as it is a call for all of us to give back to society”.The Senate Leader said.
The ceremony was graced by deputy governor Mrs Momisade Afuye ,top traditional rulers in Ekiti State led by the Ogoga of Ikere,Oba Adejimi Adu On his entourage were the Alara of Aramoko,Oba Olu Adeyrmi, the Oloye of Oye Kingdom, Oba Ademoloju Adegbole.
Others were; the Ajero of Ijero ,Oba Adebayo Adewole and Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare .
