In the heart of Ikere Ekiti, a vibrant celebration of philanthropy and community development unfolded as legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, inaugurated a multi-million naira conference hall, a generous donation to the Ogoga’s palace by the Igbekeleoluwa Foundation. The event, presided over by Olanipekun, the Asiwaju of Ikere Kingdom, highlighted the significant contributions of indigenes to the town’s progress. Olanipekun’s palpable satisfaction resonated throughout his address, where he passionately urged all well-meaning sons and daughters of Ikere Ekiti to join a burgeoning progressive movement aimed at elevating the town to new heights of prosperity and prominence. This movement, he emphasized, transcended political affiliations, focusing instead on a shared vision and mission for a brighter future.
The inauguration ceremony served as a backdrop for the Igbekeleoluwa Foundation’s multifaceted philanthropic endeavors. Fifty undergraduate students, ten secondary school students, and twenty primary school pupils were awarded scholarships, providing crucial support for their educational pursuits. Furthermore, thirty small-scale traders from Ikere Ekiti received financial grants to bolster their businesses, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to empowering individuals across various sectors. Olanipekun, brimming with pride, commended the Foundation’s founder, Ayodele Igbekele, whom he hailed as a “worthy son,” for his remarkable generosity and unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being. The Asiwaju’s emotional address underscored the significance of the occasion, envisioning a future where Ikere Ekiti would flourish, making its forefathers proud.
Ayodele Igbekele, the driving force behind the Igbekeleoluwa Foundation, articulated the organization’s primary objective: to bring smiles to the faces of the people. This event, the fifth in a series of philanthropic initiatives, exemplified the Foundation’s enduring commitment to alleviating hardship and fostering hope within the community. Igbekele emphasized the importance of mutual support and the transformative power of compassion combined with unwavering dedication. Reflecting on the Foundation’s five-year journey, he highlighted the breadth of its interventions, encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as support for local markets, girls’ empowerment, assistance for persons with disabilities, vocational training, and crucial financial aid. Many beneficiaries, he noted, had already graduated and embarked on successful careers, carrying the torch of promise ignited by the Foundation.
Looking ahead, Igbekele unveiled the Foundation’s ambitious plan to construct a community public library in Ikere Ekiti, a lasting tribute to Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. This project, envisioned as a testament to Olanipekun’s inspiring generosity and guidance, symbolizes the Foundation’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and community development. Igbekele’s words of encouragement resonated with the beneficiaries, urging them to utilize their newfound opportunities to make a positive impact on their communities, state, and nation. He also cautioned against the allure of negative influences such as cultism, internet fraud, and drug abuse, emphasizing the importance of making responsible choices to safeguard their futures.
The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, expressed his profound gratitude for the positive developments unfolding in his kingdom. He lauded Igbekele’s philanthropic spirit, particularly the donation of the conference centre and the various support initiatives for students and traders. The monarch’s words conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the transformative impact of these gestures on the palace and the community as a whole. He also imparted valuable advice to the beneficiaries, urging them to maximize the opportunities presented to them, contributing to the development of Ikere Ekiti and humanity.
The inauguration ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, represented by Victor Adeniyi, the Eyeshorun of Ikere, Olori Funmilola Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, Otunba Sola Adewumi, Bimbo Ogundipe, Managing Director of Ricabim Ltd, and members of the Ogoga-in-Council. Local government representatives, including Adamolekun Egbejoda and Rufus Olorunfemi, joined the celebration, along with prominent figures from the academic community, such as Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, and Prof. Babatola Ayodele, Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, represented by Prof. Williams Adebayo. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the collective commitment to the advancement of Ikere Ekiti.
