The Oloro of Oro Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, has commenced a free daily feeding programme for Muslim faithful observing Ramadan. The initiative offers iftar meals throughout the holy month to cushion the effects of economic hardship within the community.

Meals are being prepared daily at the palace of Oba Olufayo in the ancient town to mitigate the struggles of the less privileged. This free feeding exercise for fasting Muslims is scheduled to last for the duration of the sacred Islamic month.

It was observed that the palace of Oba Olufayo, who is a Christian, has become a focal point where fasting Muslims gather in the evening to benefit from the free meals. The traditional ruler stated that the initiative is his personal contribution to the well-being of his subjects and other residents of Oro Kingdom.

Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye noted that the Muslim fasting period coincides with Lent for the Christian community. He remarked that the convergence of these two sacred months serves as a pointer for Nigerians to cultivate religious tolerance and avoid divisive tendencies.

"The daily free meal for our people, particularly Muslim faithful in Oro Kingdom is my personal contribution to the well-being of my people. We understand the situation of our society that our people are struggling to eke out a living. And this daily free feeding is to mitigate hardship and bring succour to the people, especially in this sacred moment in our life," the Oloro stated.

He further explained, "The free meal for Muslim faithful started since the commencement of Ramadan and our arrangement is to ensure that it is available throughout the period of the month so that people would have reasons to smile and worship their Lord. One good thing about this year's Ramadan is that it coincides with the Lent period for Christian. And this tells a lot about religious tolerance on our part as people of different faith but of the same community. Let us be our brother's keeper and steer clear of those tendencies that would turn us apart."

The monarch added, "The betterment of our society is in our hands. We owe this nation so much in mobilizing ourselves for spiritual growth so that it can manifest in our national life."

The Oloro noted that some individuals are already partnering with the palace to provide food, and he urged wealthy and well-to-do members of the community to lend their support. He emphasised that increased contributions would help expand the palace's feeding programme to reach more people during the holy month. He further observed that many families are struggling to afford meals for iftar and sahur, stressing that with additional support, the palace could provide food for thousands of people in need.