By Adeyinka Adeniran
Considering his philanthropic activities across the South West over the years, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has honoured a former Director of Procurement in the Ministries of Agriculture and Sports Development, Mr. Olusegun Oke, as an Associate member.
The Chairman, Oyo State branch of the Society, Engr. Babalola Famade, presented the certificate of honour to Oke and decorated him at the weekend in Fiditi, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State. The Chairman was represented at the well-attended investiture by Pastor Isaac Oladele Taiwo (the Financial Secretary of the Society and the Chairman, Investiture Committee).
In his address at the investiture, Oladele Taiwo, who was flanked by the Oyo State Branch Secretary (Ojo Olaleye), Kayode Omosehin (Disaster Management and Training Adviser), and Dr. Mrs. Yetunde Bolaji (Treasurer, Afijio Division), said that the Nigerian Red Cross Society being the largest humanitarian society with the highest number of members in the country, had noticed the humanitarian activities of Oke, both as a civil servant and now a retiree, noting that: “We want you to be part of what we are doing. We want you to be part of us so that through you, we can impact more, the lives of many people in the society in many ways.
Appraising the credentials of Oke, former President, Worldwide, of the Alumni Association of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly University of Ife, the Chairman said: “We have got it on record through our officials from Afijio and Oyo Divisions that you are a God-fearing man and you are always ready to help the needy. We want to use your goodwill and philanthropy to help the society in areas of social amenities, health facilities, education etc because we know that government cannot provide everything for its people. Ours is a voluntary organization rendering assistance in time of fire, accident etc, and we should always provide succour whenever necessary. Your assistance and contributions are welcome and it is because of this that you qualify to be our Associate member”, Taiwo said as he decorated Honouree with the Associate certificate and insignias of the Society.
In his words of enlightenment, Taiwo gave an example of a community in the Ido local government area of Ibadan where there is no primary health care facility and people there have to travel four-hour journey to get health care. Noting like that should continue, he said: “Oyo State Government is trying, but we can assist it through responsible and compassionate people like you to establish health care facility for the people in such a community. Government can then provide the personnel and equipment to cater for the health needs of the people, and by so doing we will be building a healthy and progressive society”, he stressed.
Responding, Oke appreciated the Red Cross Society in Oyo State and by extension, Nigeria, for recognizing his humanitarian gestures, promising to continue to do more for the benefit of the societies he belongs. He disclosed that as a Director of Procurement in the Federal Ministries before he retired in September, 2023, he had facilitated sinking of 63 motorized boreholes in Oyo Town and its environs. He also said that he facilitated 100 boreholes in the South West to serve the various communities.
His words: “I facilitated construction and establishment of two Clinics while in office. The one very close to my house here just started functioning two weeks ago since year 2020 that it was completed. Thank God the local government has started putting it to use for the benefit of this community. The other Clinic is at Bonke area in the Oyo West Local Government Area. It is also functioning, bringing health facilities closer to the people at the grassroots. About 20 years ago, I facilitated a solar-powered borehole at Pinnock, Orowole Village in Oyo, where I had my Primary School education, and I also dug a well there. Our existence is to assist humanity. I therefore promise to use my connection to facilitate more projects that will assist the Red Cross Society in this state in particular, and Nigeria in general”, Oke said.
Other members of the Society in attendance were: the PRO, Afijio Division Mr. Sarafadeen Asejere, Mrs Opeyemi Oyewumi, and Miss Sharon Oladokun.
