Date: 2017-04-16

No fewer than 150 beneficiaries drawn from Kwara Central and Kwara North Senatorial Districts have benefited from donations of food items and cash from the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad.

Several bags of rice and cash were shared among the beneficiaries in Ilorin, the state capital and Bode-Sa'adu, Moro Local Government Area of the state respectively at the weekend.

It would be recalled that the Speaker had recently made similar donations to 50 widows and under privilege in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area.

The gesture, according to Ahmad, was without any political attachment, saying that it was borne out of the need to cushion the effect of the nation's economic hardship.

He said the donation was his own way of giving back to the under privilege in the society, especially during festive period for them to also feel a sense of belonging.

"This is the actual period we need to imbibe the act of generousity and kindness and be our brothers'' keepers, irrespective of our religion, ethnic or political affiliations.

"As governments are not resting on their oars toward ensuring economic recovery, the development, no doubt has drastically reduce the purchasing powers of Nigerians.

"It is therefore imperative for us as true democrat to always extend our hands of assistance to the need and downtrodden in the society," he said.

The Coordinator of the empowerment initiative, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, the General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran described the Speaker as a detribalised Nigerian.

He said the donation was a demonstration of the Ahmad's exemplary leadership style and a good pointer to the cordial relationship that existed between the legislative and the executive arm of Government.

Owolabi urged other wealthy individuals and groups to emulate the speaker's kind gesture in promoting unity and well-being among the people.

A beneficiary, Mrs Rachael Abegunde, lauded Ahmad for his foresight, describing j gesture as beneficial and timely.

Similarly, in his Easter message issued by the Speaker's Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir, Ahmad congratulated the Christians and charged them to use the festive period to pray for Nigeria.

He further admonished both Christians and Muslims to shy away from their religious differences and lived harmoniously with one another.