By Ola Taiwo
Widows of the late former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, have come to the aid of two women whose husbands were the teachers killed by bandits who kidnapped school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The widows, Chief Oluwakrmi Alao-Akala and Pastor Florence Alao-Akala, presented an undisclosed amount of money to the two women at the home of the late Alo-Akala in Ogbomoso
The killed teacher husbands were working in schools in Ogbomosoland under Oriire Local Government Area alongside other teachers later rescued with the school children from the kidnappers
The late governor’s widows said the legacy of service of their deceased husband must continue to impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
They made the gesture as they were about to unveil a philanthropic scheme floated in honour of their late husband named “Alao-Akala Transformation Movement” (ATM).
Speaking after the presentation, Oluwakemi Alao-Akala said the assistance was intended to provide immediate relief to the affected families, acknowledging that no financial support could make up for the loss of a loved one.
“We have given them some money and we pray that God will multiply the money and that they will be able to use it properly. It is really nothing compared with what they have lost. Losing a loved one is a big deal,” she state.
Mrs Alao-Akala said the intervention reflected the humanitarian values associated with the Alao-Akala family, noting that the family had over the years supported students, widows, visually impaired persons and other vulnerable members of society.
The former governor’s widow who doubles as the chairperson of the ATM said the Movement was conceived as a platform to sustain the ideals of her late husband through initiatives focused on grassroots development, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment as well as humanitarian assistance.
“We just thought it was right to unveil a political arm of the foundation, which we are going to launch in the future. We came up with Alao-Akala Transformation Movement,” she stated.
She said the movement would seek to translate his philosophy of service into practical interventions capable of addressing contemporary challenges at the grassroots.
Mrs. Alao-Akala also appealed to Nigerians who could assist the less privileged to do so, saying acts of kindness could leave a lasting legacy.
“The general public should know that what you do today, there is tomorrow for everybody. Whatever you do today is going to be talked about tomorrow.
“Whatever you can do to help society, help people. Be your brother’s keeper. Whatever you are able to do to help, do it. When you help, you are just loading your clouds,” she stated.
Mrs. Alao-Akala disclosed that the Alao-Akala family had previously assisted students with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board forms and carried out other interventions for disadvantaged members of society.
She also disclosed that she recently visited students of the Alao-Akala College of Health Sciences and inspected the ongoing Alao-Akala Health Centre in Iseyin, expressing optimism that the facility would be completed despite funding challenges.
“We visited the ongoing Alao-Akala Health Centre in Iseyin and we were happy with how far we have gone. We should have completed it by now, but what we budgeted for has not been enough. By the grace of God, it should be completed,” she said.
Reflecting on her late husband’s legacy, she said his greatest achievement was the goodwill he built among the people during his lifetime.
“One thing about my husband is that he wrote his name in the hearts of the people. When your name is written in the hearts of people, it is there,” she said.
She urged political leaders to see public office as an opportunity to serve rather than a means of personal enrichment, while praying for the success of those currently entrusted with governance.
Also speaking, Florence Alao-Akala said the support to the two women was not simply about providing money but about standing with families during periods of grief and uncertainty.
She noted that the loss of a breadwinner could expose families to severe economic hardship, urging individuals and organisations with the means to support victims of insecurity and other vulnerable members of society.
The two beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Alao-Akala family for the gesture and prayed for continued blessings on the family and the success of the ATM.
They also appealed to the government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
