The Osun State Government has counselled its teeming youths on the danger inherent in the intake of illicit drugs and involvement in other social vices.
The state commissioner for education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, who gave counsel at the inauguration of the Dr Omolajaiye Foundation, held at Ife Recreation Club, Ile-Ife, Osun State, submitted that it portends danger for their health as well as their ambition as future leaders.
He opined that with the array of talented Ife Indigenes, there is still hope for the ancient Ife town, with the likes of Dr. Omolajaiye, who has unfolded plans to empower widows, elderly people, youths, and many others through medical services, educational services, sports activities, and social activities.
He said, “I am very elated. I’m very happy with what is going on here today (Saturday). Many of our youth only believe in what they will receive or get. They don’t think of giving, and that’s why I always say there is still hope for Ife town when we see people like this.
“So, I want to encourage all other people to emulate him. With that, things will be better in Ife town. He wants to encourage people in education, health, social activities in everything, and even sports. So, as a result of a programme like this, things will be better. If we can still have more people like him in this state, things will be better. The society will be okay.” He affirmed.
In his remarks, His Royal Highest, the Obawara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Samuel Adedire, also called on philanthropists in society to emulate him so as to rid the state of social vices.
In his welcome address, the initiator of the foundation, Dr Sunday Omolajaiye, also called on leadership at all levels of governance to be sensitive to the plight of the downtrodden in society in order for them to have a sense of belonging.
He said, “The idea that brings about the founding of this foundation hinges on three major events in my life. The first is about my humble beginning; the second event has to do with the philosophy of my mother (Deaconess Titilayo Omolajaiye); and third, is my encounter as a medical practitioner.
“I spent my childhood, youth, and adulthood seasons in the ghetto. I was there up to the university level. I saw and learned a lot. I discovered that if a ghetto poor boy finds it difficult to have certain interventions, such as educational, spiritual, and financial, the poor completely perish in ghetto, but if those interventions are there, especially quality education, then the ghetto becomes the origin of the rich.” He explained.
Dr. Omolajaiye, therefore, called on the government at all levels to show serious concern about the plights of people at the grassroots.
“I, therefore, beseech all arms of government from the government at the centre under the able leadership of President Tinubu, the Osun State Government under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, all the local government authorities, private groups, and individuals to prioritise the poor in their leadership. There is palpable hardship in the land. We must not encourage the system that I call blind leadership, where the rich are continually made rich while the poor get poorer. The poor also have blood running through them.” He appealed.
The founder, however, charged the less privileged, especially the youths, not to get involved in activities that encourage poverty, like laziness, lack of vision, loss of hope, disbelief, lack of courage, and above all, the use of illicit drugs, saying “we must embrace the policies of the government that are designed to alleviate distress.”
On the foundation, Dr Omolajaiye explained that it was not for profit-making, not bank-rolled, not sponsored for antagonism, nor a fighting tool, saying it was founded on goal-directed problem-solving, poverty alleviation, and equity-ensuring aim and objectives.
He said the foundation would be operated on four main pillars: medical services, educational services, sports activities, and social activities.
Notable dignitaries at the event were His Royal Highest, the Obawara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Samuel Adedire; Jagun Osin, High Chief Kayode Aworeni; the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole; his counterpart from the Ministry of Political Matters and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Biyi Odunlade; the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Co-operatives and Empowerment, Hon. Isaac Durojaye; and a host of others.
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