Olubadan Distributes Ramadan, Lenten Food, Cash To 5,000 Residents

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on Saturday distributed Ramadan and Lenten food packages to over 5,000 residents of the ancient town.

The beneficiaries received various food items and cash support aimed at easing their financial burden during the religious seasons of Ramadan and Lent.

Items distributed included rice, beans, semovita, garri, maize and noodles, in addition to cash gifts presented to the beneficiaries.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the monarch said the gesture was part of his commitment to giving back to society and supporting residents of Ibadanland during important religious periods.

Represented by Olori Barrister Rashidat Ladoja, who addressed the crowd on behalf of the monarch, the monarch explained that the initiative was not new, noting that similar humanitarian outreach programmes for the past two decades.

According to her, the programme has continued under his reign as Olubadan, with this year’s edition expanded to accommodate a larger number of beneficiaries.

“Baba Ladoja has been doing this for the past 20 years, but this is the first time we are doing it since he ascended the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” she said.

She added that the outreach remains consistent with the monarch’s longstanding tradition of supporting vulnerable people across the city.

“So, it is not different from what we have been doing before. The only difference is that the beneficiaries are more this year,” she said.

The Ramadan and Lenten food distribution brought together residents from different communities across Ibadanland, including Muslims observing the Ramadan fast and Christians participating in the Lenten season.

Observers noted that the gesture reflected the spirit of compassion and unity often associated with the two religious periods.

Ramadan, which is 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 who attended the event commended the monarch for sustaining the programme over the years.

Some of the beneficiaries said the food items and financial support would help their households during a period when many families face rising food costs.

The distribution exercise formed part of the Olubadan’s broader humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting the less privileged and strengthening social bonds among residents of Ibadanland.

The event also highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony in the ancient city, as Muslims and Christians received support from the same initiative.

Participants described the programme as a reflection of the monarch’s commitment to welfare and community development.

The organisers said the distribution exercise would continue to serve as a platform for assisting vulnerable members of society while encouraging acts of kindness and generosity within the community.

“Last year, we distributed to about 5,000 people. This year, they are more than 5,000. We thank God that we are doing well, there is no casualties, there is no fights.

“Oba Ladoja is just a man who priotise the welfare of his people as a Senator, former governor, and now as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“During this period, the Ramadan and Lent period, I think it’s in the Quran and the Bible to give, so, we are giving., and I believe many Nigerians are giving as well,” the organisers said.