Afolabi Celebrates 50th Birthday With Humanitarian Outreach

Tosin Olasunkanmi & Michael Ojo, Osogbo

The Chairman of Ede South Local Government Area of Osun state, Hon. Lukman Afolabi (popularly known as Abeere Soose), on Friday marked his 50th birthday with an humanitarian outreach that benefitted over 1,000 vulnerable residents, including persons living with disabilities, widows and the aged.

The outreach, held in Ede on Friday, January 9, saw each beneficiary received food items and sum of ₦5,000 cash all distributed by the celebrant as part of the activities marking his golden jubilee.

The event attracted a large gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers and other notable personalities from within and outside Osun State.

The golden jubilee celebration was marked by goodwill messages, prayers and renewed calls for political leaders to prioritise compassion and service to humanity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Afolabi expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to give back to society, describing the gesture as a reflection of his lifelong commitment to grassroots development.

“Despite the challenges facing local governments, I thank God for enabling me to give back to the less privileged,

“As a grassroots politician, I believe strongly in supporting the aged, widows and the vulnerable to make them feel valued and remembered,” he said.

He called on well meaning Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to cultivate the habit of giving to the less privileged people in their immediate environment.

“This is not just about celebrating my birthday. I have been doing this since my childhood. Anyone who can afford three square meals a day should remember those who cannot and share the little they have. God will surely reward such kindness,” he added.

Hon. Afolabi also acknowledged the mentorship and support of the Adeleke family, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, Dr. Deji Adeleke and Yeye Dupe Adeleke, as well as political associates such as Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Dr. B.T. Salam and his fellow local government chairmen, whom he appreciated for their solidarity amid the ongoing local government crisis.

In his remarks, the Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Olaoluwa, congratulated the celebrant, describing him as a dependable and committed party man.

“Hon. Lukman Afolabi is a politician who understands mobilisation, loyalty and service. He has remained a strong supporter of Governor Ademola Adeleke and has demonstrated patience, courage and hard work in public service,”he said, wishing him many more years of impactful leadership.

Representatives of persons living with disabilities in Ede, Olanrewaju Isaiah Oladosu, also commended Hon. Afolabi for his longstanding support, noting that his contributions to their welfare span over two decades.

“The history of persons with disabilities in Ede cannot be told without mentioning Hon. Afolabi,”

“He has been our backbone since 2005, laid the foundation for our vocational centre built by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and continues to empower our members”,

“In 2025 alone, he supported 20 of our people and assisted others with school fees”, he concluded.

In his sermon, Sheikh Abdullahi Olohunlomerue, , praised the celebrant’s courage and reputation, urging political leaders to embrace contentment, humility and the fear of God.

“At 50, one should learn to take life easy and be contented. Greed and covetousness hinder progress,” he said, offering prayers for long life and continued success for hon Afolabi.