Prominent philanthropist Agba’Akin Benedict Akika celebrated his birthday by officially launching the Omituntun Benedict Foundation (OBF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to youth empowerment and community development.
The launch event, held at Omituntun House, Delight Estate was attended by prominent stakeholders, philanthropists, government functionaries, and associates; Federal Member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Hon. AbdulWasiu Akinmoyede Olafisoye, Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government Senator Mudasiru Kamorudeen and SSA to Governor Seyi Makinde on Chieftaincy and Local Government Matters Hon Ramata Agberemi Debo RAD alongside members of Omituntun Benedict Forum and Communities.
Akika expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the surprises in celebration of his birthday and also his vision for OBF to provide mentorship, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to the less privileged and young people.
The event featured the official launching of the foundation website, omituntunbenedictfoundation.org, which allows anyone wishing to be a member to register and follow updates of the foundation.
Akika stated, “Today marks a new chapter in my life, and I am committed to making a lasting impact through OBF.”
When asked why he celebrated his birthday anniversary with the widows, he alluded to the current harsh economic condition of the country, saying “There is hunger and suffering in the land.”
Adding, he said: “Everybody understands the situation of the country and I feel a lot of people need help. And, for me, the best thing is to reach out to those I know as underprivileged ones. I know they don’t have and that is why I am doing everything within my capability to make the widows happy, though I have been doing it before. So, I am celebrating with them today.
“The widows here today are much. I have been supporting them before through empowerment items. I give them funds sometimes to support their businesses and other items including freezers, sewing machines, and grinding machines.
“I started eight years ago and God has been supporting me. This month alone, we have given more than ten sewing machines and four grinding machines. We gave out one today and before the end of the month, I may still give out some.”
I want to call on the privileged ones in our society to give to those who don’t have. The money they have should not be for them and their families alone. They should reach out to those who don’t have to because people are suffering,” Akiika stated.
Responding to insinuations on whether or not he his nursing political ambition, Akiika explained that he was only interested in offering humanitarian service to the people.
“I am not doing all of these for political reasons. A lot of people have asked me why I am giving out to the people in this manner thinking I want to contest for a political position but I tell them no. I am not contesting for any seat.
“During the last election, some people thought I already collected form to contest Oyo State House of Assembly election but they were surprised to later know that I did not. They were shocked. So, they said they had not seen a kind of person like this before o. But sincerely, it is God, not me.”
Equally, Reps Olafisoye commended the impacts of Chief Benedict Akika in Lagelu and promised to keep partnering with the foundation. Hon RAD appreciated the exceptional and inspiring leadership of Chief Benedict Akika in Lagelu and Oyo State at Large. She acknowledged the commitment of the celebrant to community and human capital development.
The Executive Chairman who performed the official launching described Chief Benedict Akika as one who believes that true greatness is not in what you have amassed, but in the lives you have made better because of your existence.
“When you hear Senator in the Governor Makinde’s dynasty and House, it’s all because of Agba’Akin Benedict Akika as a human capital developer.
“The launch is to officially put OBF works out there and also to seek support, volunteers, and partnerships.”
