The humanitarian outreach, organised in memory of the late Dr Akinwale, attracted beneficiaries, community leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of a man widely remembered for his generosity and unwavering commitment to helping the less privileged.
Speaking during the event, the CEO and the Managing Director of EqualRight Restaurant and Bar, Hon. Mrs Mariam Omotanwa Salau, praised the widows’ strength and unwavering commitment. ” I want you to know that you are valued, appreciated, and not forgotten. Your resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to your families and communities are truly inspiring. Despite life’s challenges, you continue to demonstrate courage and hope”.
She continued, “As we remember Dr Akinwale today, let us also embrace the values he lived for-love, kindness, selfless service, and care for the less privileged. The greatest way to honour his memory is by continuing to support one another and extending a helping hand to those in need”.
“To our dear widows, remain hopeful. Better days lie ahead. May God continue to strengthen, protect, and provide for every one of you. explained that the annual charity programme was instituted to preserve the memory of the departed philanthropist, whose passion for supporting widows, vulnerable families and the needy earned him admiration within and beyond the Somolu community”. She echoed.
In addition, one of the Guest Speakers, Alhaja Oluwatoyin Sanusi, admonished the widows to remain hopeful and not allow the challenges to get the better part of them, noting that the moment they focus on the way out, the challenges would be subdued in no time.
“It wasn’t any widow to lose her husband, but we have to take solace in God. I want to admonish you to remain focused, work hard and be prayerful. Ensure you train your children to a level that you will be proud of them. Encourage them to be steadfast at every point in time”. She concluded.
Meanwhile, according to the organisers, the distribution of food items was aimed at providing relief to widows struggling with the rising cost of living while also encouraging members of society to embrace compassion and selfless service.
They noted that Dr Akinwale dedicated much of his lifetime to humanitarian causes and believed that no member of society should be abandoned in times of hardship.
“This initiative is our way of keeping his vision alive. Dr Akinwale was a man who found joy in giving and touching lives. Even in death, we want his legacy of kindness and generosity to continue inspiring others,” one of the organisers said.
However, one of the beneficiaries and cleaner, Mrs Alaba Olaitan, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the food support as a welcome relief amid the nation’s current economic challenges.
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers of this event for this ample opportunity of being part of the beneficiaries. This is a big relief for us, and I’m sure this pack of food will solve some of the challenges at home”. She stated.
Several of the widows offered prayers for the repose of Dr Akinwale’s soul and commended the foundation for sustaining his charitable vision through consistent annual interventions.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the programme in subsequent editions to reach more vulnerable members of society, urging individuals, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support initiatives that promote social welfare and uplift disadvantaged people.
The third anniversary celebration concluded with goodwill messages and prayers in honour of the late Dr Akinwale, whose legacy of compassion continues to impact lives years after his passing.
