The streets of Afao Ekiti transformed into a scene of celebration today, not for a carnival, but for the return of a beloved benefactor. In a heartwarming display of festive charity, renowned engineer and philanthropist, Engr. (Dr.) Adeniyi Samuel, brought a tidal wave of cheer, distributing essential Christmas packages to residents of the community.
The event felt like a homecoming parade, with an entourage led by Mr. Adesuyi Michael Ojo moving through the town churches. But the first port of call was the palace of the Alafao of Afao, Oba Ademilua Ajibare. The revered monarch received the team with deep appreciation, offering solemn prayers and the symbolic prayer drink (oti ibile) for Engr. Adeniyi. “You have remembered your roots, and we are grateful,” Kabiyesi declared, extending his blessings to all sons and daughters of Afao, home and abroad.
The mission of mercy then took a spiritual turn, as the team crisscrossed the town to share blessings and gifts with its faith communities.
At Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Iyanu, Pastor Tope Adejorin stirred the congregation to raise passionate prayers for the engineer and his crew. The reverend at St. David’s Anglican Church echoed the sentiment, asking God to “guide him and grant him more strength to do even more.”
In a powerful testament to inclusive generosity, the entourage also visited the Chief Imam of Afao Ekiti, delivering festive packages in a gesture of communal harmony. The tour included the Catholic Church, Proclaiming Church, Christ Anglican Church, and CCC Metolakan, with each stop ringing with hymns of gratitude and intercessions for the donor.
“He does this every year, but the joy never gets old,” remarked one elderly resident, balancing a 2kg bag of rice with a beaming smile. “This is the true spirit of Christmas.”
The overwhelming message from the pulpits and the palace was unified, a prayer for divine grace to continue fueling Engr. Adeniyi Samuel’s philanthropic fire. For the people of Afao, this was more than just a gift of food; it was a reaffirmation of kinship, shared faith, and the radiant spirit of the season, delivered by the man they proudly call their own.
