By Ayodele Popoola

In a heartwarming display of generosity and commitment to community service, Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye marked her 45th birthday by donating various items to inmates of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs-managed Correctional Home located along Ondo Road, Akure.

The initiative, which also featured cash empowerment for widows, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals, was aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries and commemorating her milestone celebration.

The celebrant, accompanied by dignitaries including Kehinde Adeniran, Oluyi Wasiu Adekunle, Leader of the Legislative House, Ifedore Local Government Area; Akingbola Oladapo, Mrs Ayodeji Aroloye, Mrs Folake Williams, among others, personally distributed food items, gifts and cash to the inmates.

This selfless gesture reflects Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the less privileged and spreading joy, serving as a reminder of the powerful impact one individual can have on their community.

Both inmates and staff at the correctional centre expressed deep gratitude for her thoughtful visit and generous contributions.

Sharing her motivation for celebrating with the inmates, Aroloye said:

“Being a mother, I want to contribute my quota to ensuring that the needy are not burdened emotionally and mentally, so that when they come out, they will have a sense of belonging.”

Presenting the items, Olori Aroloye, who hails from Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area, said the move was inspired by the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ to love and uplift the poor and needy.

She stated that the gesture was aimed at restoring hope and offering a sense of belonging to the inmates, regardless of their present circumstances.

Encouraging the inmates not to see their condition as the end of their journey, she stressed the importance of meditating on the word of God.

“The essence of the visit is to let them know that they are not forgotten, and that prison is not their home. We must always remember them in our prayers and support them with our resources to give them hope for the future,” she added.

Olori Aroloye emphasised her continued commitment to philanthropy, especially on her birthdays, saying:

“I have always intended to give back to society, and I am committed to continuing this practice on my birthdays, empowering the needy whenever I can.”

She urged members of the public to emulate her gesture and extend kindness to the underprivileged.

One of the inmates, who preferred to remain anonymous, thanked the celebrant for remembering them on her special day, describing the visit as both touching and inspiring.

Later, at her residence in Akure, a birthday party was held in her honour, drawing friends, political associates, family members and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate with her.

In his remarks, Prince O. Aroloye, husband of the celebrant, described his wife as a woman of integrity who has devoted her life to the service of God and humanity.

He congratulated her on behalf of the family and affirmed their unwavering support for her charitable endeavours.

The birthday celebration featured prayers, lively festivities, cutting of the birthday cake and presentation of gifts to mark the special occasion.