50th Birthday: Afolabi Urges Nigerians to Prioritise Welfare, Doles Out Cash and Food to Less Privileged

Hon. Lukman Afolabi (Abere Soose), Chairman of Ede South Local Government Area in Osun State, has called on well-to-do Nigerians and politicians to cultivate the habit of giving back to society, stressing that supporting the less privileged is key to alleviating poverty.

Afolabi made the appeal while addressing journalists at a special prayer session organised to mark his 50th birthday anniversary on Friday at his residence in Ede.

The event saw no fewer than 1,000 residents, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), widows, the aged, and other vulnerable groups, benefit from the celebrations. Each received packaged bags of rice and ₦5,000 cash, amounting to about ₦5 million, distributed by the council chairman in honour of his golden jubilee.

Speaking with journalists, Afolabi said he deliberately chose to mark his milestone by giving to the less privileged, describing it as his personal way of giving back to society.

“I feel happy that I planned this and I achieved it. Giving back to the less privileged has always been my way of life, and I thank God for making this special celebration a reality,” he said.

The council boss expressed appreciation to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Dr. Deji Adeleke, Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, and Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, for their mentorship and support, which he said has been instrumental in his growth as a people-oriented leader.

Afolabi also thanked fellow local government chairmen and other well-wishers who attended the prayer session.

He urged the people of Osun to vote en masse for Governor Adeleke in his bid for a second term, noting that continuity of good governance is essential for sustainable development in the state.

Highlights of the event included a public lecture and special prayers for the celebrant and his family.