Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The President and Convener of the People’s Care Foundation, Rev Paul Tunde Tioluwani, has spoken about a personal divine experience, saying that Jesus has appeared to him, instructing him to help society’s less-privileged.
Rev Tioluwani stated this on Sunday evening during its 2019 carnival program for the people living with disabilities where Christmas gifts were distributed to over 50 disabled, orphanage, and motherless babies’ home at the Foundation’s office, Kilometer 15, Opposite Solel-Boneh Quarry, Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.
“I was never born to be a giver and I never knew I would find myself in this kind of industry. Sometimes ago, I had a divine encounter in 1986, a calling where Jesus appeared to me and he said [that] I should be championing the course for the less-privileged, neglected and other vulnerables in the society,” Rev Tioluwani said.
“I heeded the call and I started in 1990, and today, to God be the glory, I have been fulfilling the commission which has earned me about 17 international awards and still counting.”
He noted that the distribution of free brand new wheel chairs, granting scholarship to thousands, free computer training, and vocational/financial assistance to countless of needy individuals, is in accordance with the Foundation’s mission of creating a better life for neglected and rejected individuals in society.
Rev Tioluwani compared the neglect of poor and physically-challenged children as an act of overlooking the flow of electrons in a live-wire, adding that its comes with terrible consequences.
The Convener, in a similar note, applauded the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, for including disabled persons among his administrative cabinet.
“I applaud the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, for bringing the disabled on board among the list of his cabinet.
I can categorically state that he is the best thing God has given us in Oyo State.
“In his work so far, he has made living easy for the people by paying salaries promptly and aiding the standard of living,” he said.
The philanthropist appreciated the collaboration and support of industries, friends and international partners that assist the Foundation all over the world.
He lamented the issue of social misconception, and financial constraints as things that act as an impediment toward a swift development of the Foundation.
“Obviously, we can’t do anything without financial power and capability.
The issue of misconception among our people are also key impediments to the growth of the Foundation.
“Running a Foundation is one of the [most] dangerous and most tempting firms to run,” he said.
“Some people think we have turned it into business, some think we want to use the glory of the kids, but these are false claims,” he lamented.
He reiterated that the Foundation’s passion is currently marshaled towards pick-up and rehabilitating children involved in street begging when their mates are busy studying in class.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Occasion, Barrister Obada, maintained that the disabled are also part of God’s creation, adding that no amount is too small to help them.
Barr Obada further urged the government to see into a way of retiring workers that are already due for retirement in government parastatals so as to pave way for more job opportunities and reduction in the level of unemployment in the country.
The Foundation, which has been helping the disabled since 1996, donated gifts to over 50 special schools and orphanage homes including Omoyeni School For the Blind, Ijokodo High School, Oluyole Cheshire Home, Lagelu Special School 1, Lalupon Orphanage Foundation, among others.
