For many, Valentine’s Day is a time for exchanging gifts, sharing love, and celebrating relationships. But for veteran journalist Raheem Akingbolu, February 14, 2025, became a day of unexpected kindness, as he and a group of generous friends came together to change the life of Bamisaye Olomi, a physically challenged young man in Ekiti State.
AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER
In the early hours of the morning, Akingbolu, who was in his hometown of Aramoko Ekiti, received an unusual request. A young man, whom he had never met before, was asking to see him. Bamisaye Olomi had heard about Akingbolu and assumed he was a politician who could help him. His request was simple but urgent—he needed a new wheelchair, as the one he had been using broke over six months ago.
“When I told him I was a journalist, he became confused,” Akingbolu shared. “But I assured him I would do something.”
With no immediate plan in place, Akingbolu turned to his social media platform, sharing the encounter and calling for support. Within an hour, messages and donations started pouring in. Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers responded swiftly, showing that compassion knows no boundaries.
Some of the generous donors included Steve Babaeko of X3M Ideas, Wasiu Ola Abiola of Nigerian Breweries, Adeyinka Kehinde Aladeloye-Odeleye, Bernard Olajide, Hon. Bayo Aina, Tajudeen Sheu, and others who preferred to remain anonymous.
What started as a simple post quickly turned into a movement of kindness. By evening, Akingbolu had secured a brand-new wheelchair and some financial assistance for Bamisaye Olomi.
DELIVERED AND VALIDATED
As he handed over the wheelchair, Akingbolu couldn’t help but reflect on the power of collective goodwill.
“Like a joke, I made a promise in the morning, even without a plan. But by evening, with the help of my amazing friends, we delivered. This is the true spirit of humanity,” he said.
For Bamisaye Olomi, it was more than just a wheelchair; it was a renewed sense of hope and a reminder that people still care.
A CALL TO ACTION
This story serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a life-changing impact. It also highlights the importance of leveraging social influence and community support to address urgent needs.
There are many more Bamisayes out there—individuals whose lives could be transformed with just a little help. As we celebrate love in different forms, this Valentine’s Day story challenges us to extend that love beyond our immediate circles and touch the lives of those in need.
Would you like to be part of a similar impact? Reach out, support a cause, and let’s make the world a better place—one act of kindness at a time.
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