Olu Obafemi calls for joint effort to kickstart Okun COVID-19 relief response

Olu Obafemi, the chairman, Elders Advisory Council (EAC) of the Okun People COVID-19 Relief Response, has called on members of the committee to put efforts together in kick starting the initiative. 

The initiative was launched in April by prominent Okun sons and daughters to provide relief for the vulnerable in Kogi west to cushion the effects of the pandemic.

Obafemi, while assuming his new chairmanship role at the weekend, said as the initiative is time-bound, there is a need for concerted efforts among members for the task of fundraising thereby ensuring that the initiative achieves its objectives without delay.

“I have just confirmed from the progress report of the steering committee that all the structures are now fully operational and have started delivering on their mandates. I therefore wish to express my profound appreciation of the remarkable performance by members of the steering committee and the various sub-committees,” he said. 

“I wish to state  with all the emphasis at my disposal that I accepted my new role without any reservation whatsoever and a strong determination to justify the confidence reposed in me.

“Following my interactions with my colleagues in the council, I believe I can make similar assertions on their behalf. They are prepared to use their best endeavours to support the project because they believe the objectives are laudable and the outcomes will impact positively on our people

“Apart from the progress report of the steering committee I have also taken time to study all the work plans of the various sub-committees. Without prejudice to the collective actions the council may take or advise going forward, I will like to make the following fervent appeals to our people.

“In the first place, we should be mindful of the fact that we have embarked on a project that is time-bound. We therefore have to move expeditiously to do what we have to do. It is understandable that when we embark on this kind of journey there will be front runners and vacillators. What is important is for us to agree completely and focus on our ultimate destination. It is gratifying that we already have a critical mass of people who have implicit faith in this project. What remains is for us to work tirelessly together to consummate it.” 

He also urged members to promptly pay their dues to the “seed money” which he describes as a symbolic and an important task.