Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said memories of the fallen heroes and heroines of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) will continue to linger on, just as he expressed strong commitment of the Yoruba socio-cultural organization to continue to defend the interest of Yoruba race.
Iba Adams gave this vow on Friday, while speaking at the 2024 Edition of Heroes Day, held at the Oodua House, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of the programme organized by OPC.
Speaking at the event, the Yoruba generalissimo, who was represented by the Asoju Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, disclosed that about 500 widows were, this year, rewarded with cash gifts across the six states in the south west, saying that the Heroes Day was a way of remembering those that fell in the course of the struggle for the interest of Yoruba race.
According to him, the event, which witnessed the widows decked in same attire, was put together in remembrance of the Late Kola Arowosaye, who was murdered by the police on November 8, 1998 and others who died in the course of the struggle.
“Heroes Day is our own way of remembering those that fell in the course of the struggle for the interest of our race.
“It is also interesting to say that the Logistics and Welfare departments of the OPC are saddled with the responsibility to handle the annual programme.
“Today, we remember the Late Kola Arowosaye, who was murdered by the police on November 8,1998. We also remember others who died in the course of the struggle.
“In the last couple of years, we have empowered our widows who I refer to as our wives. We have impacted their lives positively and this year, we are giving cash gifts as donations to the widows.
“This year, about 500 widows were rewarded with cash gifts across the six states in the south west,” Iba Adams stated.
Sheik Abdul Mumeen Saliu, in his sermon, said Allah uses hunger, poverty, loss of life, loss of wealth and properties to test the faith of his messengers.
The Muslim cleric said that by remembering the heroes and heroines of the struggle, and putting smiles on their faces, OPC under the leadership of Iba Adams had fulfilled one of the most rewarding act of Ibadah in life.
“Allah will always reward whoever that gives to the widows and this is exactly what OPC is doing with the Heroes Day and it is in fulfillment of the organization’s purpose,” he said.
Sheik Saliu, however, prayed for the late heroes and heroines, as well as the widows.
One of the widows, Madam Rukayat Adebisi, who spoke on behalf of the widows, expressed appreciation to Iba Adams for impacting the lives of the widows, pointing out that OPC had been consistent in remembering the heroes and heroines of the struggle.
“As one of the beneficiaries, I am happy that this programme has helped us in finding our feets and it has also impacted our lives positively.
“So, I pray God to be the leaders of the OPC and we will continue to appreciate them for the good gestures,” she prayed.
Apart from members of the Aare – in – Council, National Executive Council (NEC) and National Coordinating Council (NCC) of the OPC, other guests include Assistant leader of the Christian group, Sunday Adebisi; the leader of the traditional group, Chief Taiwo Falana; among others.
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