Posted by By NWAGBO NNENYELIKE, Ilorin on
For Margaret Aiyeleso of Heart Aglow Ministries International, Ilorin, Kwara State, it is not enough to give alms to the disabled and orphans. She believes that apart from helping the physically challenged people with material things and money, one of the ways to give them a sense of belonging is to gather them once in a while and give them a treat.
...Wines and dines with the disabled, less privileged and plans to establish an orphanage
For Margaret Aiyeleso of Heart Aglow Ministries International, Ilorin, Kwara State, it is not enough to give alms to the disabled and orphans. She believes that apart from helping the physically challenged people with material things and money, one of the ways to give them a sense of belonging is to gather them once in a while and give them a treat.
Recently, she organised such a get-together in Kwara State. In attendance were more than 100 disabled. They range from the blind, deaf, dumb, crippled and orphans. Though the event was to create an avenue for these less privileged to enjoy themselves, it was an opportunity to discover talents in areas like music and dance.
At the event, songs were rendered by various groups and individuals. Most of them are students. In fact, Timothy Abioye Opadokun, a graduate of Kwara State Polytechnic, stole the show with his song entitled Hope. He received a standing ovation from the audience. The blind musician told Daily Sun that he composed the song 12 years ago.
"I wrote this song in 1995, but it was not successful. I want people to know that they should cheer up, no matter the situation. My audience is not only the disabled. You can see how they reacted while I was performing. I perform at revivals, naming ceremonies and other events. My music is not meant for Christians alone. People in other religions can also enjoy it,'' he said.
Another person that thrilled the audience was Titilayo Olorunsola, who gave a special number.
Aside songs and dance, one striking aspect of the programmes was giving of testimony by the disabled. They told the story of how, despite their condition, they appreciate God for what He is doing in their lives through people like Mrs. Aiyeleso. The blind musician told a pathetic story of his life. He revealed that he was not born with blindness. He said it was in the bid to correct his eye structure that made him blind.
He said that despite this he found ability in disability. "I have this nature of eyes that if I am looking at you, it would seem as if I am looking at another thing else. The attempt to correct this, so that I can look at things straight, threw me in this blind condition. I have accepted my fate and destiny. God knows best. God is always with me." Abioye said.
Before the party started, Mrs. Aiyeleso, who is a widow, said: 'We are here to rejoice with our brothers and sisters who are physically challenged. It is wise for us to know that we can help the physical challenged persons to discover themselves. It is for this reason that I will not stop crying like a lone voice in the wilderness that we help them. It is better we teach them how to fish than to giving them fish. This get-together is an avenue I always use to make them meet and interact among themselves and with us. It is to let the world know that we are created equal with them. Only God knows why He created each and every one of us the way we are.
'In fact, the target of this event is to use the opportunity to establish an orphanage, which would be a well equipped vocational centre. In the orphanage, they will live comfortably. We will care and cater for them. I want to do what Mother Theresa did for the less privileged. Theresa was a cheerful giver. That is what I want to be for this category of people. I have compassion for them. I want to be a Good Samaritan to them. I urge all of us here to develop a soft heart for them," she said.
What she said was not a surprise to many who know the activities of Heart Aglow; the non-profit; non-political and non-governmental organisation, which was founded six years ago to care for the disabled.