Muslim women make history, commissions first Akure Orphanage Home amidst funfair. By Binta Haroon
Muslim women make history, commissions first Akure Orphanage Home amidst funfair
It was a day of joy and celebration in Akure on Saturday as the Bright Futures Home, a multi-million Naira crèche and orphanage established by the Akure Community Muslim Women, was officially commissioned amidst funfair and widespread acclaim.
The colourful ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries from political, religious, and traditional institutions across Ondo and Ekiti States.
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, ably represented by Commissioner-designate Alhaji Hamidu Takuro, applauded the initiative and assured that the state government would partner with the Muslim women to support the home financially.
In a remarkable show of support, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, who represents Ondo Central Senatorial District, pledged to sponsor five children from the home from nursery school through to university level.
Equally generous was the Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service, Barrister D. I. Kekemeke, who, as a special guest, promised to provide essential supplies to the home as part of his personal contribution to the welfare of the children.
Minister of Youth, Ayo Olawande, also pledged to install streetlights to illuminate the home’s environment, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting the children and the institution.
From neighbouring Ekiti State, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaja (Prof.) Habibat Adubiaro, congratulated the Akure Muslim women for the noble achievement.
Alongside her husband, Alhaji Engineer Sulaiman Adubiaro, she made a generous donation towards the project.
Speaking at the occasion, the Iya Sunah of Akure kingdom, Alhaja Dr. Munirat Ogunlayi, the initiators of the home, expressed profound appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the project from inception to commissioning.
She called on government agencies and well-meaning individuals to further support the cause.
She noted that Bright Futures Home, the first Muslim-owned crèche and orphanage in Akure, is a purposeful initiative designed to uplift and cater to vulnerable children within the Muslim community.
The Iya Adinni of Akure Kingdom, Alhaja Hon. F. I. Gidado, also addressed the gathering, thanking all donors for their support.
She made a heartfelt appeal to the Ondo State Government for sustained backing, adding with a touch of humour, “To all our doctors, please, our Oliver Twist wants more.”
The Royal Father of the Day, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, led a delegation of traditional rulers to the occasion, giving the project a stamp of royal approval.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of appreciation and recognition by the Grand Imam of Akure, His Eminence, Alhaji Sheikh (Dr.) Abdul-Hakeem Yayi-Akorede, to some eminent personalities who had made significant contributions to the project.
The commissioning of Bright Futures Home stands as a testament to the power of collective will and the unwavering commitment of Akure Muslim women to nurturing and protecting the next generation.
