MAYBAKS Foundation Empowers The Aged And The Less Privileged.

Pastor Martha Yetunde Bakare Celebrates Birthday With Empowerment Of The Aged & Less Privileged, Through Her MAYBAKS Foundation.

By Our Reporter

The pain and anguish of many aged people and the less privileged turned to smiles yesterday at the Redemption City of God KM 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as The MAYBAKS FOUNDATION hosted an empowerment session for them.

The programme, a celebration of the aged and the less-privileged was organised to mark the Birthday anniversary of the CEO of the Foundation Pastor Martha Yetunde Bakare (MYB)

The MAYBAKS FOUNDATION is an NGO set up about five years ago with the sole aim of reaching out to the less privileged particularly the aged. This explains why the CEO of the NGO is popularly called "OMO ARUGBO"

A Brigadier of the Chaplaincy International, Martha Yetunde Bakare, an educationist and business development initiator is also an ordained Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The programme was attended by several well meaning individuals and leaders in the Redemption City and beyond. This included Pastor (Mrs) Akindele who is the daughter of the founder of the Church, Late Rev. Josiah Akindayomi and wife of the late Assistant General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Akindele.

Also in attendance at the programme was the MD/CEO of the fast growing ILUSANMI OIL PALM FARMS and a popular gospel film actor, producer and director, Kolade Segun-Okeowo, fondly called KSO and his wife Sunmbo.

Speaking with the initiator of the MAYBAKS FOUNDATION, Pastor Martha Yetunde Bakare at the end of the programme, she explained the burden that gave birth to the vision of the Omo Arugbo concept.

According to her, five years ago when she started the initiative, she was preparing to host her birthday when it suddenly dawned on her to invite only the vulnerable and the less privileged ones.

"Since then it has become an annual tradition for me to host the aged and the less privileged duringy birthdays", Bakare said.

She spoke further on how she felt most fulfilled and comfortable celebrating with the aged and the less privileged.

According to her, "whenever I see old people smiling, laughing and rejoicing, I feel a well of joy within me. It has become my source of joy and fulfilment. I look forward to it every time"

Pastor Bakare presenting gift items to the underprivileged at the event

Apart from the annual birthday celebration with the aged and less privileged ones, MAYBAKS FOUNDATION also hosts another get together during the Yuletide season with the same category of people.

"We will be back in December again to celebrate with them. The tears of joy I see when they come around drives me to do more for them" Bakare added.

Pastor Bakare(Middle) KSO and Wife

Apart from the several food items and clothes given to the participants, other gifts including cash were doled out to the attendees.

While unveiling the MAYBAKS FOUNDATION, the CEO of ILUSANMI OIL PALM FARMS and ZIONSTONES MEDIA, Evang Kolade Segun-Okeowo, KSO called on well-meaning individuals, men and women of substance to support the MAYBAKS FOUNDATION and the OMO ARUGBO INITIATIVE.

According to KSO, the initiator may not be wealthy in material terms but she has a large and rich heart and should be encouraged.

"Pastor Yetunde Bakare has a heart that pants for the happiness and well being of others. She is ready to jettison her own comfort to make others happy. I know her, she is an incurable giver. She must be supported", said KSO.

Highlights of the programme included the performance of the Redeemers Chaplaincy International Cadets and Officers led by Brigadier Pastor Ola Oyero.

Also in attendance at the programme was a former aide of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Pastor Yinka Akande.

Pastor Martha Bakare believes in Jesus Christ's words that says "...Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven".