Oba Ladoja Sustains 20-Year Charity, Distributes Food, Cash to over 5,000 Ibadan Residents
By Adewale Owoade
Over 5,000 residents of Ibadanland have benefitted from a Ramadan and Lent food package distributed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Each beneficiary received cash, school bags for children and food items such as rice, beans, semovita, garri, maize and noodles during the distribution held at the monarch’s private residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
Speaking while presenting the annual Ramadan/Lent packages, Oba Ladoja said the gesture was part of his commitment to giving back to society and supporting the less privileged.
The monarch, who was represented by his wife, Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja, noted that the initiative had been sustained for about 20 years.
She said, “Baba Ladoja has been doing this for the past 20 years, but this is the first time we are organising it since he ascended the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“So, it is not different from what we have been doing before. The only difference is that the number of beneficiaries is larger this year.
“Last year, we distributed to about 5,000 people. This year, the beneficiaries are more than 5,000. We thank God the arrangement has been hitch-free and orderly.”
She added that Oba Ladoja had always prioritised the welfare of the people throughout his years of public service as a senator, former governor and now as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is marked by fasting, prayer and acts of charity, while Lent is a period of reflection, sacrifice and generosity among Christians.
Community leaders and beneficiaries at the event commended the monarch for sustaining the programme over the years.
Some beneficiaries said the food items and financial support would help ease the burden on their households at a time when many families are grappling with rising food prices.
The distribution exercise forms part of Oba Ladoja’s broader humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting the less privileged and strengthening social bonds among residents of Ibadanland, regardless of religious affiliation.