It was celebration galore for the people of Ikole-Ekiti and other communities contiguous to it when a philanthropist, Mr. Funso Ayeni, brought succour to the children, youth, the elderly and teachers of public schools. The foundation stone of a winery was also laid at the event.
Residents of Ikole-Ekiti, one of the largest towns in Ekiti State and headquarters of Egbeoba land and the surrounding communities had cause to smile penultimate week as they benefited from the benevolence a youthful philanthropist, Mr. Funso Ayeni.
Ayeni staged his annual end-of-the-year get-together for kids, youths and their parents to show appreciation to God for witnessing the end of another year.
The get-together, which Ayeni had consistently sponsored for the past 10 years featured the Walk for Hope, a keep-fit exercise; outreach to the needy and payment of hospital bills of indigent patients and a party.
This year’s edition was with a difference as it coincided with Ayeni’s 40th birthday which he marked in grand style. It was attended by many traditional rulers as the celebrator is a prince of Ilamo-Ekiti, one of the towns in Egbeoba land.
There was also the foundation laying ceremony for a winery and planting of 40 grape trees. The winery, when completed, is expected to generate employment for indigenes and boost the economy of Ikole and the surrounding towns.
On hand to perform at the ceremony was the popular gospel musician, Tope Alabi, who played her popular tunes. During her show, Alabi carried out a talent a hunt pageant which was won by Miss Aminat Adeniran.
Alabi promised to take Adeniran to Lagos to groom her for a career in music. Adeniran sang some Alabi’s songs flawlessly to win the prize.
The winner said although she is a Muslim by birth she now sings in the choir of one of the local churches in Ikole. That was one of the gains of the Funso Ayeni annual carnival in Ikole.
The crowd at the event was massive. People dined and wined as there was plenty to eat and drink. Children enjoyed themselves as the philanthropist brought modern gadgets for them to play with.
Food, toys, drinks, cash and other gifts were distributed to residents. The elderly were not left out in the distribution of gifts.
On what inspired the selfless and service to his people, Ayeni said: “I am motivated and inspired by God’s grace. This is my community and this is what I have been doing for the past 10 years.
“It’s just to encourage the needy in the society and also to give support to those who are in need to the glory of God.”
Highlighting the programmes that featured in the week-long event, he said: “We had Walk for Hope and it was so fantastic. To the glory of God, the turnout was so massive. People now believe in the project, it is called Walk for Hope where we rekindle our hope in the development of the society. That spirit encourages our people to believe that in whatever circumstances they find themselves, there is still hope. This edition was so fantastic.
“Today alone, we visited some hospitals in the town and gave them little token as we could. Also today, we planted grapes that will mark the beginning of the winery in Ekiti State, which will be first of its kind.
“We planted about 40 trees. We will reward the best students in the local government and the best teachers. We are also instituting atewo eni, which is an empowerment scheme in which we give people N30, 000 each with zero interest and many more.
“The winery, when completed, will generate employment opportunities, it will boost social life, it will give our people financial empowerment and lots more,” he said.
Asked whether the gesture has any political undertone, Ayeni said: “I have not come out to announce any ambition. In fact, I am not nursing any ambition. If my people ask me to represent them, I will be available. This is basically my life, this is what I do, this is what I love to do and this is my hobby. Bringing kids, bringing the needy together and cheering them up in a festive season such as this, “he said.
A friend of Ayeni, who is President of Ekiti State Golf Club, Gboyega Omotoyinbo, who attended the event with other dignitaries, said: “It’s a good event; the celebrator is actually a bosom friend and a business partner. He has spent so much to make his people happy.
“The impact will linger in their minds for a long time. When I got here, the crowd I saw was massive and they are happy that their lives are being touched positively by a philanthropist who chose to identify with them.
“I am happy about it because this event has given hope to people as can be seen in the positive effects the event is having on them already. Ayeni should keep it up and God will continue to bless him.” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries praised the philanthropist, saying they appreciated his selfless efforts to make them happy.
Five-year-old Dare Alani, of AUD Nursery and Primary School, Ikole, said: “I have collected gifts such as money, drinks and toys and I am very happy. Mr. Funso Ayeni who has made these items available to us, God will continue to bless him.”
Also Oluwaseun Akintade, a young lady from Oke Aleu Quarters in Ikole, and a fashion designer said: “I benefited from the gifts distributed by Mr Ayeni. I thank him immensely for what he is doing. He is a very nice person. What I need from him is to assist me buy sewing machine.
Also, 12-year-old, Habeeb Kabiru, a primary six pupil of the Fountain Primary School said : “I pray that God will continue to empower him. I will come next year. In the nearest future, I too will do what Mr. Ayeni is doing for us.” he said.
