An NGO, Success Ogunkolade Foundation, on Tuesday distributed 1, 200 litres of free Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol to 300 commuters in Ijebu-Ijesa, Osun, to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr.
Each of the commuters received four litres of the product at a designated filling station in the town.
Mr Success Ogunkolade, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, while addressing newsmen said the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effects of Coronavirus pandemic amidst the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Ogunkolade, who noted that he had earlier distributed free food to residents of the town, said free petrol was his little way of touching the lives of less privileged.
“There is no doubt that this Eid-el-Fitr is a unique one as it happened when the world was battling with Coronavirus pandemic.
“The virus has impacted on the livelihood of many negatively. It is on the basis of that I have to contribute my token so as to put smiles on the faces of the people.
“Each of the commuter received four litres of petrol and I believe this will help them to move around to do one or two things, while the commercial drivers among them will use the same to make little money,” Ogunkolade said.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan fasting, he urged them to continue to abide with lessons learnt during the holy month.
Ogunkolade also urged them to use the occasion of the celebration to pray to God to bring an end to the virus, adding that with prayers nothing will be impossible.
He said with prayers and strict adherence to safety guidelines given by government, the virus would soon be a thing of the past.
Some of the beneficiaries, however, commended the foundation for the good gesture.
Mr Nathaniel Ogunwola, one of the beneficiaries said the gesture was a welcome development, adding that people of the town were not expecting it.
Another beneficiary, Mr Kabiru Arisekola, said the free petrol came at the right time.
Arisekola said the petrol would assist him to save the money he would have used to buy petrol to move around
