Oriire abduction: ‘Don’t refer to us as victims but victors’ as OSDNA gifts cash donations

Oriire abduction: ‘Don’t refer to us as victims but victors’ as OSDNA gifts cash donations

Abdulrasak BELLO

Dr Abiodun Oyeyemi presenting the donation to Mrs. Alamu

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Ogbomoso Sons & Daughters in North America (OSDNA) is the latest to give palliatives to the rescued teachers and students/pupils of Oriire local government schools’ abduction, which occurred earlier this year, as the association through its liaison office in Ogbomoso Thursday gifted cash award of N100, 000. 00 (one hundred thousand naira) to each of them. This is as Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, appealed that they should not be regarded as “victims” any longer but “victors.”

The event which held at Dr. Abiodun Oyeyemi & Co Law Office, Alajiki Area, Ogbomoso, was attended by all the “victors.” OSDNA is an association of Ogbomoso indigenes residing in North America. The group has intervened immensely in many ways in Ogbomoso, socially, humanitarian-wise, growth and development issues and economically.

Speaking at the event Dr. Abiodun Oyeyemi Esq, vice chairman and acting chairman of Board of Directors of the body, informed that OSDNA decided to distribute the palliatives in order to identify with the rescued teachers and students.

Dr Oyeyemi reading his address

Dr. Oyeyemi charged the “victors’ to hold on to hope and be energized to fulfill their destinies. “Let me use this forum to encourage all the victims, both teachers and students not to lose hope because of the ugly incident but to be focused and make sure they fulfill their vision. The teachers should continue to pursue their career and continue to serve the country in raising young ones who will be pillars of hope to the country and the world at large. The students and pupils should fulfill their vision so as to join hands for a better society. They should not abandon school, as we heard some are doing, but they should pursue their dreams and add value to themselves through education so that they can also become leaders in the coming years and contribute their quota to the development and progress of our beloved Nation.”

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The legal practitioner now called on political office holders to emulate good things done by associations like OSDNA in order to make their people happy and to always strive to fulfill their electoral promises.

“Let me also use this platform to call on politicians to emulate the gestures of the Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America by making sure that they do this kind of programs often and not only when election is approaching so that they can put smiles on the faces of those who voted them into offices to represent them. They should also deliver on their political promises as dividend of democracy as electorates are not asking for too much.”

He also urged the government at all levels to “henceforth be proactive in tackling security issues around us and must make sure that it is done with all sincerity and sense of purpose in delivering unto the people one of their constitutional responsibility of protection of the lives and properties of the citizenry.”

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He noted that if this is not upheld development will be stunted just as he counselled against politicization of security and urged all Nigerians to collaborate in security matter. “Because where this fails, no amount of efforts at development will thrive. Matters of security should not be politicized because; it is the responsibility of all of us to provide useful information to security operatives, therefore if you see something, say something.”

Oyeyemi cited some past interventions of OSDNA as 10 (ten) functional boreholes in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Surulere local government areas; support to the Kersey Children’s Home, Leprosy Colony and Centre for the Blind; palliatives to the widows and the vulnerable during the COVID Pandemic, among others.

He also called on governments at all levels, to, in the spirit of the country’s 66^th anniversary, offer palliatives to the citizens especially the vulnerable in the society stressing things are difficult.

Stop calling us victim – Alamu

In her remark, Mrs. Alamu expressed gratitude saying she was extremely happy that all the children remain hale and hearty. “It is testament of the goodness of God in their lives,” she noted.

Alamu meanwhile implored all to stop referring to them as victims but victors.

“We understand people have been referring to us as victims but we are victors, and not victims. And I believe that whatever remains God will perfect it.”

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Some of the victors including teachers and pupils gave testimonies and narrated some of their ordeals while in the hands of the bandits. They thanked every individual and groups, as well as security agents and governments at various levels for their support from the beginning.

Rev’d. Dr. Olaniyan in his exhortation appreciated God for His goodness and prayed for His continuous protection.

The officers of OSDNA include Omooba Akin Oladele David (president); Mr. Isaac Adeyemi secretary), Engr. Dapo Oladeji (Public Relation Officer) among others while the Board of Advisors at home is constituted by Rev’d Dr. Adeniran (Chairman); Dr. Abiodun Oyeyemi (vice-chairman/acting chairman); Rev’d Dr. E.K. Akano; Rev’d Dr. Olaniyan; Pa Amos A. Ajekigbe; Pa D.F. Oroniran; and Ogunwole Solomon (liaison officer).

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