Kogi State Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (KSAPLWD) on Thursday bestowed an Award of recognition as the ”Most Caring Entrepreneur” on the MD/CEO of Treasure Bakery & Confectionary, Chief Dr Femi Akande.
His wife, Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande, was also appointed as the Matron of KSAPLWD, and a ”Certificate of Matronship” was equally presented to her by the association.
Presenting the award to the recipient at Treasure Bakery, Lokoja, Comrade Ibrahim Daniel Arome, the Chairman of KSAPLWD, eulogised Dr Akande and his wife for their love for the less privileged, saying, it was indisputable that their activities had demonstrated the originality of their love for the community (PLWD).
Arome stressed that the involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities in the last celebrated Christmas Carol, was a proof of inclusiveness which remained a core in their advocacy for the community.
”We have heard several testimonies of your support from many of our members which you did unannounced.
”We appreciate you and will continue to pray for more blessings as you put smiles on the faces of the needy.
”We are here today as a mark of honour and recognition of your good works to humanity, to present an award of the ‘Most Caring Entrepreneur’, and pray for you,.
”We have quite number of wealthy people in Kogi State, but it will take a heart of love to be kind to the less privileged and the vulnerable,” Arome said.
He stressed that Akande was neither the richest man in the State nor in Nigeria, but he had been making life better for the poor people of Kogi State, out of the little he has.
Arome, therefore, implored other wealthy people to emulate the gesture of the Akandes, so as to make life more meaningful to the persons living with disabilities.
He prayed God Almighty to continue to bless their family with good health, prosperity and long life.
In his response, Dr Femi Akande, thanked God for making today a reality, while appreciating the association for the honour bestowed on him, saying it would only spur him to do more for the less privileged and the vulnerable.
”An award of this nature comes with more responsibilities to do more, and with God helping me and my wife, we will surely do more,” Akande said.
He explained that the secret of his wealth was imbedded in his ability to always giving tirelessly to the poor without getting weary, saying ”the more I give to the less privilege the more God blesses me.
He thanked the association for appointing his wife as their matron, and assured them that they would not let them down.
He stressed that it was always a good thing to be humbled saying in humility lied greatness and elevation; ”the more you humble yourself, the higher God would elevate you”.
He thanked Mrs Roseline Alabi, who facilitating the meeting and for always providing the link and platform for him to reachout and assisting the less privileged, and prayed God to bless her abundantly.
Earlier, in her short acceptance speech as the Matron of KSAPLWD, Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande, thanked the association for counting her worthy to be their matron, while assuring them of her unflinching support.
Also Speaking, Pastor Roseline Alabi, the Executive Director, Dual Care and HIV Prevention Initiative (DCI), who facilitated the meeting, commended Dr Akande and his wife for always being there to give assistance to the less privileged, vulnerable, widows and people living with HIV.
She prayed that God would continue to bless and protect their family and businesses to enable them to do more for larger society.
Some of the PLWD, took their turn at the occasion to eulogised Dr Akande and his wife for always being their for them.
Hon. Solomon Yahaya, said what Akande’s family had done was beyond their widest imagination, and prayed that God who saw in secret would reward them openly.
Other members of the association, Engr Kabiru Husseini and Mallam Umar Mohammed (a.k.a, the Great), said they might not have any money or material things to offer, but they have prayers to offer to God to bless the Akandes’ family on their behalf.
The Treasure Bakery and Confectionary at the end of the program, offered free food pack to all the people at the occasion, after which a group photograph was taken.
