By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Obanta Association UK, a socio-cultural and philanthropic body of Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora, have again demonstrated their commitment to community development and humanitarian service through a largescale empowerment programme for vulnerable and elderly residents in Ijebu-Ode.
The waxed, made of sons and daughters of the Ijebu lineage popularly known as Omo Obanta Association, organised the outreach programme at the historic Olisa Palace, where over 300 beneficiaries received medical checks with drugs including foodstuffs and other healthcare assistance.
Speaking during the programme, Mr. Akeem Karim, a prominent son of the Ikuyajesin family and a member of the association, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to improving the welfare of the less privileged in Ijebuland. He noted that the Obanta Association UK has sustained humanitarian and social intervention projects for more than 25 years, focusing on healthcare support, scholarship initiatives, transportation assistance through the provision of buses for Eruobodo Home and food pillatives activities, and regular empowerment programmes for aged and vulnerable people.
Karim explained that the association’s vision remains centred on giving back to society and preserving the spirit of communal support deeply rooted in Ijebu culture and tradition.
According to him, the annual intervention has continued to expand over the years due to the collective commitment of members in the diaspora who consistently contribute resources towards improving the lives of people back home.
The beneficiaries, mostly elderly men and women, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the gesture, describing the support as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking on behalf of over forty women beneficiaries, Mama Taiwo Agbede commended the sponsors and members of the association for their compassion and consistency in caring for the needy.
She offered prayers for greater strength, prosperity, and longevity for the organisers, urging them not to relent in their humanitarian service to the people of Ijebuland.
Also speaking, Mr. Babatunde Ajetunmobi expressed joy over the programme and praised the organisers for sustaining the philanthropic initiative over the years.
He noted that the association has become a beacon of hope to many vulnerable residents across Ijebu communities and prayed for continued success and divine blessings for all members supporting the initiative.
The Obanta Association UK has remained one of the notable diaspora-based Ijebu organisations actively promoting social welfare, cultural unity, and community development through regular interventions targeted at improving the lives of residents in Ijebuland.
