Matilda Omonaiye/
The Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, has provided relief and support to the less privileged, including inmates at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, the Correctional Centre, and patients at the State Hospital, Sokenu, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Abeokuta.
The philanthropic gesture was part of activities marking his 21st coronation anniversary, which commenced with a press conference at his palace in Itori town. Accompanied by his chiefs and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, the monarch visited these institutions to offer donations and moral support.
The first stop was the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home in GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta, where Oba Akamo donated food supplies and household equipment. He also pledged to support the completion of an ongoing hall project within the home’s premises. Additionally, through contributions from dignitaries in his entourage, over N5 million was raised for the welfare of the children.
Reflecting on his own experiences, the monarch shared that he had once lived in an orphanage for over two years after his birth at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He emphasized that no child should be looked down upon or written off, using himself as an example of resilience and success.
The visit was met with enthusiasm, as the children entertained the guests with cultural performances and melodious songs. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, led the home’s management in receiving the delegation and expressed deep appreciation for the monarch’s generosity.
Next, the monarch’s entourage proceeded to the Correctional Centre, where he donated food items and urged prison officials to ensure the donations were properly utilized. The visit also featured entertainment from the inmates’ music band and a football match between the Olu Itori Soccer Team and the Correctional Soccer Team. The monarch’s team emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Demonstrating his commitment to justice and rehabilitation, Oba Akamo paid N3.2 million in fines to secure the release of eleven inmates. He also announced a cash donation for the repair of the prison’s damaged transport van.
The humanitarian outreach continued at the State Hospital, Sokenu, where the monarch donated medical supplies and settled the medical bills of several patients, including a woman who had recently undergone surgery. The visit concluded at Sacred Heart Hospital, where he further donated N1 million in support of the hospital’s operations.
Speaking on the initiative, the Olowu of Owu commended Oba Akamo for his generosity, emphasizing the importance of supporting the less privileged. He called on other well-meaning individuals to contribute to the welfare of society, as the government alone cannot meet all needs.
Oba Akamo’s 21st coronation anniversary celebration not only marked a milestone in his reign but also reinforced his legacy of compassion and community development.
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