Olusegun Kehinde/
Loads of food items, toiletries, and cash donations were given to Little Saints Orphanage today by retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Olusholla Babajide David as a token of love and appreciation on his 60th birthday anniversary.
Members of the Little Saints Orphanage family could not contain their joy as they cut the birthday cake with AIG David after a prayer session by Pastor Joshua Samuel. They sang cheerfully and danced merrily with their visitors at the Strong Tower House, Palmgrove Estate, Lagos, where the items were donated.
AIG David felt great empathy with the orphans, having lost his father at the age of 4 in 1966.
“I lost my dad when I was 4 years old. So, it was my mum that brought us up. I know how difficult it was. I know how people who are in need feel. When we have a Home like this, being run with the fear of God, and being run by godly people, it must be supported. We have come with our little contribution and support for the growth of the orphanage,” he told the congregation inside a church where the Little Saints Orphanage family worships.
“I’m a retired police officer. I retired as AIG in February 2021. My last duty post was AIG Zone 5, Benin, which comprises Edo and Delta States. I joined as a Cadet ASP in 1986, and I’d practically worked around the whole country. I couldn’t do my Thanksgiving when I retired. I decided to do it when I celebrate my 60th birthday. I’m also celebrating 35 years spent in the service with no hitches or blemishes.
“It will be 21900 days by August 29 that I was born in 1962. In a couple of days, I’ll be 60. I’m so happy. I plan to have a Thanksgiving in Church, but there’s something I felt was missing. I discussed with my wife, and we said I must be here, and we are here to share my happiness and what God has done for me.”
AIG David also told the congregation how his son, Olajide, taught him how to celebrate birthdays with charitable acts, even though his humanitarian services did not start today. During his exciting career as a police officer, he visited many Orphanages across the country where he made donations in cash and kind to the homes. He built the Police Area Command Headquarters, Ilaro, while he served as the Area Commander, Ilaro, and while he was serving as the AIG Zone 5 Command Headquarters, he built a fully Air Conditioned 200-Seater Conference Hall named IGP MA Adamu Conference Hall.
He said, “My son, Olajide, taught me what I’m doing today. When he was young, we’ll do a birthday for him. But, when he became mature a bit, and his birthday was around the corner, we asked him what he was going to do. He said daddy, I’m not doing anything. Then, when the day came, he said he was going to celebrate at an orphanage. And we saw that he knew what he was doing. Before we knew it, he had bought what he wanted to take to the orphanage. We also bought a few things to support him. We went to the Little Saints Orphanage at Ogudu. It’s something that struck a chord in my mind, and I said No, I must not allow that to slow down. That propelled me to contact the Little Saints Orphanage, and we are here.
For using his resources to sustain those who are less privileged in society, hoping to make them better citizens, the Founder of Little Saints Orphanages, Rev. Mrs. Dele George prayed for AIG David and his family. She also commended the efforts of her co-workers at the Home, including Mrs. Janet Orekoya, and Mrs. Mayen Famous.
Receiving the donated items, she said, “We are so grateful and excited that AIG David with his family and friends chose to celebrate his birthday with the little saints. We thank you for seeing us as very special people in your life.”
She prayed for more prosperity, more of God’s abundance, long life, good health, and more fulfillment for the AIG and his family.
“God will not disappoint you. Your expectations will not be cut off. You’ll spend the rest of your life in wealth and good health.”
According to Rev. George, the Little Saints Orphanage celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019 and will clock 30 in 2024.
“We’ve been doing the charity work for a long time,” she said. “But I say all the time that if it’s not for patrons like you, we will not be where we are today. Patrons that are committed to the well-being of the children; committed to their education, and committed to ensuring that they are well-fed. You can see all the children looking well and happy. This is what we can do for them, to give them a privileged life. To bring them from a place of lack to a place of abundance, was my dream. And my dream was to give them the best. That’s what Jesus told us. And so, we try. You should know that 150 percent of what we receive goes into the care of the children. That’s why they are doing well in school. They are doing well in academics.”
AIG David encouraged the management to sustain the efforts. He prayed that everything that has given the orphans and those who care for them joy shall be preserved in the name of Jesus.
“There will be victory and joy on all sides,” he said. “God will continue to give you the enablement to do more than what you’ve done. I know you have branches all over, but there are still more children looking for your support. May God continue to give you the wisdom, and the resources to establish more of this Home for these children. When they grow up, they cannot forget you. I like the social and religious aspects that I’ve seen here.
“We can see leaders of this generation here. Political leaders, academic leaders, social leaders, and God will make it so. God will continue to sustain and uphold you.”
By August 29, when he clocks 60, AIG David will hold a Thanksgiving reception after a church service in Lagos.
In recognition of his services to communities, AIG David was installed as the Akinrogun of Iju Ishaga, Lagos State, and the Akogun of Ajegunle-Ota, in Ogun State.
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