By Deborah Coker
Former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, on Saturday donated 230 bags of rice to Ologua community, Ohordua, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), during the distribution, he said that beneficiaries cut across his ancestral Ologua community and extended to neighbouring communities in the locality.
He said that the essence of the gesture was to identify with the elderly, vulnerable, poor, and less privileged at a time when love was being celebrated.
He also said that rice donation to house hold in the community and environs commenced 10 years ago and had become an annual event which many families in the locality looked forward to.
“This gesture which began in 2015 has now become an annual event, which is my own way of giving back to the community that nurtured me..
“There is no better time to identify with the poor, vulnerable and needy in the society and show them love than now.
“The Christmas season and celebration is a period so many people look forward to, because it’s a season of love, sharing and giving.
“So it is my belief that this little contribution from me, will be able to make an impact in those homes that benefitted from this gesture today,” the former TUC president said.
NAN reports that the beneficiaries were elated and poured prayers on the donor and his family.
Some of the who spoke with NAN described the veteran unionist as a man of impeccable character who never forgot his root and had continued to identify with them.
They urged him not to be swayed or discouraged by other privileged ones from the community who do not identify with them, adding that posterity would continue to be fair to him.
(NAN)