Charity homes across Ondo State were filled with warmth and excitement on Tuesday as the Committee of Friends of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa marked his 61st birthday with humanitarian outreach and donations to vulnerable children.
The committee paid visits to Christ Orphanage Home, Pele, Ondo; the Ondo State School for the Hearing Impaired, Akure; and the Ondo State Children and Motherless Babies Home, where food items, cash, and other essential relief materials were presented to support the children and their caregivers.
Speaking during the visits, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, who represented the Committee of Friends, said the initiative was designed to reflect Governor Aiyedatiwa’s compassionate, people-focused leadership style.
According to her, the governor’s 61st birthday was intentionally marked through acts of kindness that directly impact lives, especially those of the less privileged, describing the gesture as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.
Dr Osamaye encouraged the children to remain hopeful and assured them that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten by society.
Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Bishop Oluseyi Odusola, commended the management and teachers of the Ondo State School for the Hearing Impaired for their dedication and selfless service to the children despite prevailing challenges.
He described their efforts as noble and deserving of recognition, adding that the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve facilities, learning tools, and welfare conditions in special and orphanage homes across the state.
Other dignitaries who spoke during the visits, including the Iyaloja Traditional Chief, Chief Mrs Aisida; Chairman of the Waste Management Board, Mrs Yinka Alabi; and FOMWAN Chairperson, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the various homes. They congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa on his 61st birthday, commending his administration’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of Ondo State.
The Commissioner for Education, represented by Mr Abubakar, also applauded the Committee of Friends for the thoughtful and impactful gesture, noting that such initiatives complement government efforts in the education and social sectors.
In her remarks, the Administrator of Christ Orphanage Home, Ondo, Evangelist Solayide Olaseinde, expressed deep gratitude to the Committee of Friends and Governor Aiyedatiwa for remembering the children during a personal celebration.
She described the visit as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time such a gesture had come from government circles in the state. According to her, the donations would significantly address immediate needs while boosting the morale of caregivers and staff.
The event was further enlivened as some of the children entertained guests with songs and sign-language performances, expressing their appreciation and adding emotion and colour to the occasion.
The humanitarian visits, fully sponsored by the Committee of Friends, formed part of activities commemorating the 61st birthday of the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing his image as a leader deeply committed to compassion, service, and people-centred governance.
