(Ilorin)
No fewer than 10,000 households in Kwara state are to benefit from a palliative measure put in place by an industrialist cum philanthropist, Dr Kamoru Yusuf, cushion the effect of the lockdown occasioned by coronavirus pandemic
Duaglobalnews reports that Yusuf is the Group Managing Director/CEO of KAM Holding, a leading manufacturer of Iron and Steel products in Nigeria.
The distribution of 10,000 bags of 5kg rice to communities in Kwara commenced in Ilorin before moving to Oke-Onigbin and other villages in Isin local government areas of the state on Sunday.
Presentation the donations Yusuf, represented by Akinloye Ibrahim, expressed optimism that the gesture would cushion the effects of lockdown imposed in the state due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
He said the effort would also ease the commencement of Ramadan fasting by Muslim faithful.
The philanthropist explained that the gesture was also aimed at supporting widows, orphans, vulnerable and less privileged, without religious discrimination.
He, however, advised beneficiaries to observe social distancing during collection of items.
“We hope to continue to put smiles on the face of the needy as part of our efforts toward giving back to the society by fighting hunger and poverty,”he said.
One of the traditional rulers who received the donation on behalf of his community, Oba Kamaldeen Omotayo, the Onigbin of Oke-Onigbin thanked the industrialistfor his usual gesture to the people.
“The joy this donation has brought cannot be underestimated, because people are asked to stay at home to stop the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus.
“We pray God Almighty will continue to uplift him and his business” Oba Omotayo said.
The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede, who also prayed fervently for Yusuf, described the industrialist as a friend of the masses.
“Dr Yusuf is someone that has always identify with the masses, I am very pleased with the gesture on behalf of my people.
“We have asked them to stay indoor so as not to violate the lockdown order, if not you could have seen the joy in them.
“The donation is coming at a very critical period of the year when the world is ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic” Oba Oloyede said.
The Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Omoniyi Banigbe, in his reaction to the donation, thanked Yusuf for his outsatdning gesture and described him as a philanthropist per excellence, whose love for the masses remained firm and consistent.
One of the beneficiaries, Aminu Olaitan, who corroborated the position of the monarchs said Yusuf had been in the business of reaching out to the with his resources.
” This is not the first time he will reach out to the people of the community, especially during the festive period.
“During the Muslim festive period, he will reach out to people and do same to the Christians at the celebration season too.
“In fact, we have been expecting it because we know he will touch the lives of many during this lockdown” Olaitan said.
He, however, observed the people in the urban areas would need of palliatives more than those in the rural areas whom he described as predominantly farmers, adding that their means of livelihood had not been seriously affected.
