By Stella Odueme
As part of the Christmas festivities, a non-government organization, Pega and Friends Foundation, visited hospitals on Saturday and paid the medical bills of some indigent patients in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Upon receipt of money for their ailing children and wards, some
Parents and guardians were emotional.
For instance, Mrs.Paul Deborah, one of the beneficiaries who had been discharged by the doctors but was held with her new-born baby for weeks by the hospital authorities over her inability to settle the bill of N128,000 for the Caesarean Section (CS) carried out on her, was full of thanks to God and the foundation.
“I lack words to express my gratitude to the Pega and Friends Foundation,” a visibly happy Deborah said when her $128,000 bill was paid.
She told newsmen that she will continue to pray for God to bless Prince Ekunola and members of his team for coming to her aid after weeks of staying in the hospital as she was discharged.
The matron at the orphanage section of the hospital commended the organisation’s leadership for its kind gesture, particularly for having compassion for the less-privileged children.
The Head of Nursing Services at Our Lady Catholic Hospital, Jaleyemi, Osogbo, Mrs. Ekundayo Oluwakemi, hailed the foundation for the gesture. She called on organisations and individuals who are well-to-do in society to emulate the Pega and Friends Foundation.
The foundation also visited other orphanage homes and distributed food items to the needy and the less privileged in Osogbo and its environs.
Appreciating the Pega and Friends foundation for coming to the aid of the children of Abiye Orphanage & Children Home, the founder of the home, Pastor Tunji Ayorinde, said the efforts of the NGO in assisting the home are worthy of being appreciated as they represent an unprecedented gesture of kindness.
“While words may fall short in conveying our deep appreciation, we offer our sincerest prayers that God will continue to elevate and bless the members of the Pega and Friends Foundation, leading them to even greater heights in all aspects of life,” he said.
The Foundation also visited veteran actresses Margaret Bandele Olayinka, popularly known as Iya Gbonkan, and Toyin Oladiran, aka Abeni Agbon, to celebrate the season with them and appreciate their efforts in educating society through their profession.
Speaking during the get-together and Annual General meeting of the foundation held at Royal Spring Hotel, Osogbo, on Saturday, the Founder of Pega and Friends Foundation, Prince Ekunola Gbenga Abraham, said the foundation’s establishment stemmed from a passion to contribute positively to society.
“I am short of words. I am excited. I am so happy for the successes recorded this year; despite the economic challenges in the country, members still come down to Osogbo from all parts of the country; the beneficiaries were happy and appreciated God; the giveaway is being done all for the sake of humanity,” Prince Ekunola remarked.
In his address, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Mr. Jonathan Olowookere, said the foundation is dedicated to enhancing the psychological and spiritual well-being of the poor and needy, regardless of tribe or religion.
The event also received goodwill messages from revered royal fathers, including the Ataoja Of Osogbo His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Olu of Sunren Olorunsogo-Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Olukayode Samuel Sodimu, the Olu of Ipebi Ijebu Mush in, His Royal Majesty Oba Tanimowo David Folarin and the Olu of Oke Ana Ijesha Osun, His Royal Majesty Oba Adegbuyi Adegbenga Joseph.
They all expressed their happiness with the foundation’s kind gestures and offered prayers for its founder’s continued success.
The foundation equality held a football friendly competition among themselves to round of the event.