ODA Presents Gifts to Paediatric Patients at Dutse General Hospital
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
A Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Okun Development Association (ODA), Dutse Branch, Jigawa State, has presented gifts to children receiving treatment at the Paediatric Unit of Dutse General Hospital as part of its end-of-year humanitarian activities.
Speaking shortly after the presentation, the Vice Chairman of the association, Mr Ojo Jacob Olanrewaju, who led members of the group on the visit, said the gesture was in line with ODA’s tradition of giving back to society, especially at the end of every year.
According to him, the association has consistently carried out similar charitable activities in the past, including visits and donations to orphanages, correctional facilities and other vulnerable groups.
“This is a long-standing culture of our association. Every end of the year, we make efforts to put smiles on the faces of our brothers and sisters who are passing through difficult times,” he said.
Mr Olanrewaju explained that this year’s outreach focused on the Paediatric Unit of the Dutse General Hospital, where gifts were distributed to child patients in both medical and surgical wards.
“You can see that the children are happy. Our aim is to share joy with them during this season and to pray for their speedy recovery,” he added.
He further noted that the Okun Development Association comprises members of the Yoruba community residing in Dutse, stressing that the initiative was part of their commitment to giving back to the community in which they live peacefully.
The vice chairman also commended the Jigawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, for improvements in the health sector and other critical areas of development.
He called for more inclusive governance policies to address the needs of marginalised groups in the state.
In his remarks, a nursing officer at the hospital, Dr Nasir Auwalu, expressed appreciation to the association for the visit and urged other organisations to emulate the gesture. He noted that such acts of kindness help boost the morale of patients, especially children, during festive periods.
Also speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malama Binta Usman thanked the association for its support and prayed for the emergence of more humanitarian groups like the Okun Development Association in Jigawa State.
