Our needs are met in Ile-Arugbo- Aged women

By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Despite the demolition of Ile Arugbo by agents of Kwara state government, aged women still thronged the place on Friday to receive gifts.

The aged women said they cannot miss going to Ile Arugbo, the charity home of the late strongman of Kwara politics Dr Olusola Saraki in Ilorin, Kwara state, at least once in a week.

Four women in their 70s who spoke with newsmen at Ile Arugbo, said that that’s the only place in Ilorin where their needs are catered for.

Sarah Adebayo from Kwara south, Alhaja Saratu Raimi, Abibatu Suleiman, from Kwara central and Rachael Adebayo(JP) from Iyin Ekiti in Ekiti state disclosed that they have been patronising Ile Arugbo for about 40 years.

They said apart from the foodstuff and clothes they receive at Ile Arugbo, the late Saraki also sponsored them on Hajj and Jerusalem pilgrimages.

The women expressed delight that the immediate past Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is following the footsteps of his father in the act of humanitarian gesture.

“Saraki had for about 40 years been using Ile Arugbo to distribute gifts to us, even during the military rule without any hindrance.

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” The late Olusola Saraki was our benefactor who took good care of us during his life time. His son, Dr Bukola Saraki is also following the footsteps of his late father in this regard,” they enthused.

The women, in their hundreds and in high spirit, offered various prayer songs, asking God to grant Dr Bukola Saraki long life, sound health and victory over his adversaries.

As usual, food stuff, clothes and money were distributed to the women who defied the cold weather to arrive Ile Arugbo as early as 7.00 am.

The man who supervised the distribution of the largesse to the women, Rasaq Aladie said Saraki has always made enough provision for the women whether or not he is in Ilorin.