A UK-based Kwara State native, Mr Abdullateef Bibire, recently fed over 2,000 residents in Ilorin and awarded 10 community service champions with certificates and cash grants through his foundation. The initiative, held over the weekend, aimed to recognise and support those who have contributed to community welfare while addressing the neglect of unsung heroes.

Speaking through his foundation, Bibire stated that the event was driven by the observation that many individuals who dedicate their lives to serving communities often go unrecognised. The foundation’s outreach included providing meals and celebrating those who have made significant contributions to social development in the area.

The ceremony in Ilorin highlighted the recipients’ roles in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Each awardee received a cash grant and a certificate, underscoring the importance of acknowledging grassroots efforts.

This gesture reflects Bibire’s commitment to giving back to his home state, leveraging his international connections to support local initiatives.

“This kind of ill-treatment would discourage patriotism and ultimate community development.

“This is the gap we intended to bridge with the little resources at our disposal,” he explained.

In a conference telephone chat with newsmen, Bibire, said: “I celebrated people who have contributed or are contributing to the community but are not duly appreciated by the same community they serve and (some) died for.”

He added that the honourees who went home with N50,000 cash gift, were selected across sectors that included education, religion and security among others.

Stating that the event that was birthed on Sunday would henceforth be an annual thing, Bibire listed the Ramadan gift packages earlier gifted out at the beginning of Ramadan to over 3,000 people to include semovita, beans and gaari.

Meanwhile, over 2,000 people benefited from the Sunday iftar (breaking of fasting) package held at the Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Oke-Adu in Ilorin.

Clerics at the event, while urging parents to ensure proper training of their wards, extolled the virtues of the organiser whom they described as unparalleled in the area.