….Convergence theme: Post COVID-19 Era: Rebuilding Nigeria for a Sustainable Economy…(with focus on Agriculture and empowerment)
In a bid to celebrate the yuletide season with the Ondo State Orphanage home, Akure, the state capital, Liberal Platform, has donated food stuffs, other items and cash gift to the home.
The visitation was also part of the activities lined up for the “2021 Liberal Convergence” with the theme “Post Covid-19 Era: Rebuilding Nigeria Fir a Sustainable Economy (With Focus on Agriculture and Empowerment)”.
Hon. Mrs Olayinka Alabi the planning committee chairman stated that the organization is a household group and a Non Governmental Organization where there are well meaning people in Ondo State, adding that the platform felt that it was necessary to come and identify with the children and to let them know that they are with them in spirit, body and soul, to let them know that they are loved and cared for and also, to appreciate their care givers for doing a great work.
Mrs Alabi appealed to other people of substance to emulate what the Organization had done and not to leave the government alone to do everything, they should see it necessary that they reach out to the children. “They are our children, the hope and future of the state, they should be well taken care of. When you are doing this, you are doing the work of God, what God has ordained and asked you to do”.
The founder of the Foundation, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi pledge that the charity work will continue to be annual and will be expanded to other institutions that requires public support like Ago Ireti.
He stated that the money was contributed voluntarily by the members as no institution is more qualified for such goodwill than the children’s home and other allowed institutions.
Responding on behalf of the Children and the staff of the children’s home, Eunice Adeyeluwa Olotu, a Senior social worker in the children’s home appreciated the Organization for the gifts, as it will go a long way for the children. While commending the government, she advise the people of in the society that whatever they have, they should always remember the less privilege.
Meanwhile, Chairman Liberal Platform Governing Board, Pastor Femi Akinlabi in his welcome address at the lecture and award presentation held at Felicia hall, Crest FM, Alagbaka, Akure, appreciated the founder of the platform, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi for his vision of starting the platform which ranks among the best in Nigeria today if not the best.
“It is so painful that we could not achieve much this year as a result of avoidable internal misunderstanding, however, we thank God that it has been resolved and we are forging ahead. I must commend the humility of our Founder especially in the areas of resolving disputes, it is noteworthy and commendable. In the coming year, efforts will be focused on how to reposition Liberal platform such that it will be more useful to humanity. Ihave discussed this with the Founder and he has given his consent”.
“The Liberal Platform Whatssap group will stand on its own whereas we will start a Foundation (NGO) whose membership will be voluntary and by a way of financial subscription. This is to enable us affect the life’s of the less privileges in the society and help them fulfill their purpose in life.”.
“The Governing Board will look at our area of focus and come out with a blue print in the first months of 2022. Many of us are more interested in helping people than to just gather to eat and drink. Details of this will be made known on the main platform for those who are interested”.
He noted that Liberal platform award is not for sale , reason why no money requirement was attached. “However, your support will be appreciated.
We selected you out of millions of people, this should tell you that some people are watching what you are doing and it is to spur you to do more in the years ahead. Remember that we all are only useful as long as we are still alive. Therefore, do your best while you are alive”.
Hon. Mrs Olayinka Alabi, who again also spoke at the event said in her address that the event was an avenue to brainstorm on the need to make our nation, Nigeria work and fete over God’s protection in the last twelve calendar month. She added that the theme was carefully arrived at in view of the current situation in the county occassioned by the pandemic that ravaged the world and the need to think outside of the box to sustain ourselves.
Speaking in a lecture titled: Post COVID-19 Era: Rebuilding Nigeria for a Sustainable Economy…(with focus on Agriculture and empowerment), the Guest lecturer, Pastor Akin Olotu, the SSA to the governor on Agriculture and wealth creation said that Cocoa council has been set up in the state to take away business from the government, so that irrespective of whoever comes tomorrow, Cocoa will be able to thrive on it’s own and the people that will be driving it will not be government officials, all they will be doing is to create an enabling environment for Cocoa. He stressed that the value chain of cocoa is superior and the economic inclusivesness, terming Cocoa as “the sweet gold”.
He added that there are golden and better opportunities in Agriculture, also, Covid-19 has taught us all lessons.
Highpoint of the Convergence was presentation plaques to awardees who include Senator Bode Olajumoke, Princess Oladunni Odu, Secretary to Ondo State Government, Dr Wilson Ikubese of Skye hospital, Dr Akinlayo Kolawole and Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, founder, Liberal Platform.