COVID-19: OTUN BALOGUN OF EPE GIVES CASH SUPPORT TO VULNERABLES IN HIS KINGDOM
Meletus EZE
In a bid to assist the government in curtailing the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and also to alleviate the suffering of residents, the Otun Balogun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Olawale Mogaji, in his usual character shared cash to the vulnarable in Epe to ease their hardship during lockdown directive of government.
Mogaji who shared cash to over 100 vulnerables in his residence at Epe Local Government Housing Estate, in Epe, on Friday, while appealing to them to obey government “Stay at Home” directive and also maintained distancing at all time to avoid widespread of the pandemic in the community.
Our correspondent who covered the palliative/ succour programme to the residents, reports that cash was given to the vulnarable range from N2,500 and N5,000.
The beneficiaries who were over 100 people were from the following areas in Epe: Oke-Iposu, Lagbade, Oke-Oba and Popo-Oba.
Mogaji said that the gesture was necessary at a time when the state is on lockdown due to the containment strategies of government.
“What really prompted me to do this is that I never envisaged that the lockdown will be prolonged.
“Before now, I have given cash support to some individuals and also made donations through my club, Ogunmodede Club.
“I know that many of our people live on trading where they get there daily earnings from.
“I was obliged and concerned that in my own little way, I have to create something for my constituency where I am a Traditional Chief.
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“Anybody who can get between 2,500 to 5,000 should be able to utilize it to bring succour, ” he said.
Speaking further, Chief Mogaji, stated that the cash pallative was also part of his duty to give back to the society with the stipends gotten from government.
“The government is not doing enough for Traditional Chiefs, because the stipends given is nothing to write home about.
“Some other Traditional Chief’s might be willing to help but are constrained financially.

“The essence of our money is to be able to impact people in the environment where we represented.
“The amount of money you keep somewhere is not what matters but how much you are able to give to ameliorate or reduce the agony of the people, ” he said.
The charitable Traditional Chief used this medium to call on well meaning individuals and government not to relent in reducing the suffering of the people.
“Giving out relief stimulus shouldn’t be seen as a competition. You don’t need to copy anybody.
“If your capacity is to give up to five people or less, please do it.
“Lagos state government is trying her best despite having a population of over 20 million people.
“But, targeting 200,000 households compared to over 20 million is minimal and that is why the government is clamouring and requesting for support from private bodies.
“I give kudos to the government, it is not easy to feed the whole state, ” he said.
Another High Chief, Ademola Shobaloju, The Sarumi of Epe Kingdom, commended the gesture of Mogaji, adding that, it was a impactful exercise.
“What Chief Mogaji has done is impressive and I implore other chiefs to do the same even if it is not up to what he has done.
“Because all fingers are not equal. If I have the capacity, I will do more and that is why I have come here to monitor the cash distribution, ” he said
Mrs Imam Oluwanishola, one of the beneficiary gave kudos to Otun Balogun of Epe Kingdom, for his kind gestures.
She prayed to God to protect and reward him abundantly.
Another beneficiary, Mr Shobaloju Oloruntele, expressed gratitude for being remembered by the traditional Chief.
He lamented the hardship the lockdown has caused and prayed to God for protection on the people against coronavirus.
Earlier, Mr Tunde Orunbo, thanked Chief Wale Mogaji for also putting into consideration some vulnerable youths whose means of survival has been hampered due to the lockdown.
