From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Renowned legal icon and philanthropist, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has expressed concern over the high level of poverty among Nigerians.
According to him, “the situation in Nigeria is much more challenging, putting into consideration our very peculiar and uninspiring economic situation over the years, coupled with the burden of insecurity that we have faced for over a decade now.”
Olanipekun who lamented that over 70 per cent of Nigerians are poverty-stricken, added that the situation is not only scary but also terrifying.
Expressing regrets, Olanipekun who said the poor economic condition has resulted in pain, unrest, anger, agitation, transferred aggression among other negative effects, called on well meaning Nigerians to give the poor people a helping hand to mitigate the situation.
The Senior Advocate made the remarks in his country home, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during the 27th Scholarship Award Scheme & 4th Empowerment Programme of Wole Olanipekun Foundation(WOF)
” We have a lot of people today in this country who are hungry. There are a lot of people that are naked and poverty-stricken. So many people are roaming the streets because they are jobless and cannot make ends meet.
“A lot of people are thinking like that widow in the Bible that let’s take this last meal and die. We must lift them up. We must touch them. To those who may think that they have made it and we are okay. We are not okay.
“The poverty level in Nigeria today is not just scary but also terrifying, as over 70 per cent of Nigerians are rudderless, poverty-stricken. The situation does beckon on those who have received God’s benevolence to also tap from God’s attribute of compassion by lending helping hands to their fellow men.”
The foundation rolled out scholarships to 250 students ranging from secondary schools to university/law school education levels, youth empowerment to 100 beneficiaries, 100 aged and widows, grants and palliatives to 600 beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described Olanipekun as a very hard working man, ready to share what humanity has blessed him with others.
The Governor used the occasion to call on privileged sons and daughters of the state to copy Olanipekun’s philanthropic gestures by assisting the less privileged indigenes.
“I appeal to other indigenes of Ekiti State to please come home and assist our people. I was looking at the brochure and over 600 people are going to benefit one way or another. I want the beneficiaries to float an association to start preparing to give back to the people.
“The government is trying to create access and opportunity for Ekiti indigenes to thrive. We will make it public at the appropriate time, and plan to support this foundation to help lift many people out of poverty in Ekiti.”
The Chairman of the occasion and Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, hailed Olanipekun’s untiring efforts at reaching out to people including those from his community.
Bamidele described the legal luminary as a hero, celebrated citizen of Nigeria with a good heart and strength of character. He thanked him for his dedication to his community in all ramifications.
Bamidele noted that Olanipekun’s integrity and consistencies have made him a role model and attracted people from all walks of life to him.