By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Olu of Itori in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State, Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo, has called on well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to lend helping hands to the less privileged in the society, in order to build a virile nation.

Oba Akamo, who made the call while briefing newsmen at his palace, as part of activities lined up to mark his 21st coronation anniversary, emphasized the importance of caring for the needy and stressed the need for Nigerians to be humane in delivering service for the progress and development of society, insisting that society would be better if every wealthy and influential person considered it essential to serve and uplift the less privileged in society.

He disclosed that as part of activities to commemorate his 21st coronation anniversary, no fewer 20 students of D. S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, will be awarded scholarships, worth N100,000 each to mark his 21st coronation anniversary.

He added that he will be visiting the State Hospital, Ijaye and Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, both in Abeokuta, to offset medical bills of vulnerable patients at the two medical facilities, as well as the Stella Obasanjo Orphanage home in Abeokuta to felicitate with the children.

According to him” It is all about grace, we don’t struggle with God, We are given back to humanity, by the grace of God. We are giving a scholarship of hundred thousand naira N100,000 to each student, which is going to be based on competitions”.

He added that some inmates of the Ibara Correctional Centre, Abeokuta, who had been tried before competent Court and were given option of fine, but unable to pay the fine, will breathe the air of freedom, as he has concluded plan to pay off the option of fine.

Narrating the life experience that prompted him to visit two hospitals in Abeokuta to offset medical bills of some vulnerable patients, Oba Akamo recalled that there was a time he could not afford to pay his mother’s medical bill at UCH, saying that they both ate from leftovers of other patients.

Speaking on an allegation of land grabbing leveled against him, Oba Akamo denied the claims, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the law and serving his community.

He said, he has never unlawfully seized anyone’s land.

Rather, he asserted that he has consistently allocated land to individuals within his domain. “I have never sold half a plot of land to anyone; instead, I have granted over 20 to 30 acres of land.

“I abide by the constitution, hence I possess Certificates of Occupancy for all my properties, including the palace grounds,” the monarch affirmed.

Expressing gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his statewide development initiatives, Oba Akamo rebutted claims by some Egba Chiefs of neglect, asserting that the governor has fostered inclusive growth across Ogun State, including Egbaland.

He cited infrastructure projects like the Dry Sea Port, set to commence operations within the next three months, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to regional progress.

Commenting on national security challenges, particularly ritual killings and kidnappings, Oba Akamo lamented the diminished authority of traditional rulers compared to previous generations.

He acknowledged the shift of power to political leaders while reaffirming his dedication to employing traditional methods to combat societal ills.

“As grassroots leaders, we continue to strive for societal order through our cultural practices,” he affirmed.

Oba Akamo urged unity and cooperation among leaders at all levels to address contemporary challenges effectively.