A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Osogbo State Constituency, Abdullahi Ayodeji Olaiya, popularly known as Ayonic, has distributed food items and cash to support 1,000 residents during Ramadan.
The annual programme, which had in attendance clerics, community leaders, and political stakeholders across Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas, was held on Saturday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Items distributed included rice, spaghetti, semovita, and noodles.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of Good Governance in Islamic Constitution and System,” an Islamic cleric, Ustaz Ridwanullah Opeyemi, emphasised that Ramadan teaches the fear of Allah, generosity, and devotion. He urged well-meaning and privileged individuals in society to always give back, especially during the holy month.
Ustaz Opeyemi said that anyone blessed with resources should extend support to those in need, noting that true fear of Almighty Allah is reflected in acts of generosity.
He added that Muslims must fast, observe their prayers, and seek Allah’s reward rather than human praise. He also reminded those who have enough to always remember the needy, particularly during Ramadan.
The cleric explained that the initiative began about six years ago as a response to the hardship many people experience during the fasting period.
According to him, even before political ambitions came into the picture, the organisers had been supporting people through job assistance, scholarships, and encouragement.
He stated that the idea was conceived to reduce hunger during Ramadan, noting that although it may not be possible to eliminate hunger entirely, efforts can be made to reduce it significantly.
Opeyemi further disclosed that the programme has grown over the years, with no fewer than 1,000 people benefiting from this year’s edition, which he said cost between six and seven million naira.
Also speaking, Alhaji Kazeem Abolore Moshood described the outreach as a yearly programme aimed at appreciating Allah and assisting the needy. He noted that hundreds of people benefit from the initiative annually.
Moshood stressed that the charitable act predated any political ambition, adding that the programme had been in existence for about five editions.
In his remarks, Hon. Oyeladun Ibrahim said the gathering focused on spiritual reflection and acts of giving during the holy month, while also expressing support for political aspirations within the constituency.
In his own words, Hon. Ibrahim Taofeeq Kayode, an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Osogbo Federal Constituency, urged youths to emulate such charitable gestures.
He described the initiative as a longstanding tradition and encouraged its continuation beyond political considerations, expressing hope that God would replenish the organiser to do more.
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