By Segun Giwa
An 80-year-old community leader, Rev. Titus Ogundare, has donated N2million solar-powered streetlights to Funbi Fagun Community in Ondo Town, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ogundare is the Chairman of Funbi Fagun Landlords Association.
The donation of the 18 solar-powered streetlights was made by his children on his behalf as part of activities marking his 80th birthday.
The octogenarian’s son, Pastor Ayoola Ogundare, at the event said, “Our father turns 80 and we are very happy.
“The solar streetlights project is about daddy’s commitment to the development of the community. It is worth N2million; above all we thank God for his life.
“This is what we can do to impact people’s lives, in spite of government’s effort to improve lives; individuals and groups must join hands with the government to develop the country.
“The project will help the people in the community to move comfortably especially in the night,” he said.
He described the octogenarian as “a very spiritual man of God”, and hard working who is committed to the development of the people and community.
While noting that building infrastructure by government was very important, he urged well meaning Nigerians to help in the developmental drives to improve the status of the citizens.
“Light will aid security, accessibility and growth. People should not live everything to government, together we can move the country forward,” he added.
Speaking, Pa Ogundare appreciated God for the grace of attaining 80 years.
“It is least expected of me that I can turn 80, when I look back at the genesis of my life, I didn’t expect a rosy end like this.
“I am grateful to God for keeping me alive and for my children to celebrate me, I am happy and give glory to God.
“When I turned 75, I thought the world has come to an end but God still keep me, and my children have been promising me that they will celebrate me at 80.
“My Christian life enables me to know the very important people in the religious word. I was CAN secretary for 10 years, it opens my eye to Christian world which enables me to teach my children in the way of the Lord.
“I was also the secretary of Funbi Fagun Landlords Association for 22 years.
“The community celebrated my records, even the Benin Electricity Distribution Company donated cement electricity poles for my use just because of my services to the community,” he said.
Pa Ogundare advised parents to do everything possible to train their children, saying, “children are the future of the family.”
One of the residents of the community, Kunle Johnson, expressed gratitude to Pa Ogundare for the donation of the solar-powered streetlights.
He noted that the lilting-up of the community with solar-powered streetlights would help in curbing nefarious activities and ensure the safety of residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
