By Florence Onile.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisade Afuye, has appealed to well- meaning Ekiti indigenes not to abandon the less privileged, saying it is sinful and ungodly to neglect such category of citizens.
The Deputy Governor urged Ekiti residents to emulate the virtues of humility demonstrated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who directed his admirers to donate to Ekiti orphanages and less privileged homes, rather than donating to him to mark his 55th birthday.
Mrs Afuye said this in Ikere, Ido and Ikoro -Ekiti, while making donations to the Special Schools of the Blind and Deaf as well as orphanage located in the three towns to celebrate with Governor Oyebanji.
The Deputy Governor was represented by her Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi and Special Assistant on Special Duties, Prince Boye Adegboye.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Special Assistant (Media), Victor Ogunje, said she was nudged to make the donations to the schools, sequel to the strong leadership character exhibited by Governor Oyebanji that less privileged should be accorded due respect and care.
Mrs Afuye praised the Governor for being exemplary in all respects, describing his 55 years on earth as positively impactful and full of accomplishments in career and public service.
She saluted the Governor for displaying commitment to the building of a society that is egalitarian, saying care for the needy remains an instrument that can be deployed to achieve such a modest height.
The Deputy Governor expressed satisfaction with Governor Oyebanji for posing as a pathfinder and father of all Ekiti citizens, regardless of individual’s inadequacies, deficiencies and physical disabilities.
The number two citizen assured Ekiti populace of adequate attentions from the current government, saying they are resolute to develop and nurture the material and human capital resources available to Ekiti for the benefit of all.
She added; “Let me start by felicitating our dear governor on his birthday celebration and for being so dispassionate and concerned about the welfare of the less privileged and that informed the reason why he instructed us as admirers to rather make donations here than donating to him.
“This gesture amplified the fact that Governor Oyebanji cares about you. He knows and understands the essence of your existence. He didn’t despise you and all you owe him is prayers to be able to deliver on his promises to Ekiti people.
“Part of his promise was that no section of the state will be neglected and that is why he is celebrating with you and my donation is done on his behalf.
“Human capital development is a whole pillar under Biodun Oyebanji’s development agenda. We want you to understand that you are part of the focus because there are potentials in you we can develop and nurture to bring dividends to our dear state.
“We appreciate the fact that you might be facing some challenges, let me assure you that our administration shall prioritise your comfort and welfare, so that you can live a rewarding and lives replete with fulfilments and self-actualisation”.
