From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former Oyo State First Lady, Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has raised alarm over what she describes as the worsening neglect of the inmates of the Leprosy Colony in Ago Ireti, Ogbomoso, calling on government and compassionate Nigerians to urgently intervene.
Speaking during a visit to the settlement in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Mrs Alao-Akala, said the deplorable living conditions of the inmates compelled her to act, noting that the situation requires collective attention beyond individual efforts.
“I just felt they are not well taken care of, so I am here to do my bit. I hope that by doing this, other well-meaning Nigerians will come to their aid,” she said.
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She lamented that despite their vulnerable condition, some residents are allegedly subjected to exploitation, describing the development as a reflection of declining moral values in the society.
“It really hurts me because I discovered that some people still go as far as stealing from them. That is very sad and shows lack of the fear of God,” she added.
The former First Lady stressed the need for compassion and social inclusion, warning against treating persons affected by leprosy as outcasts.
“We should show them love and make them feel they belong. Even their children go to school, but paying fees is a major challenge,” she said.
As part of her intervention, she donated food items including rice, beans, garri and palm oil to support the inmates, while urging sustained government involvement to improve their welfare.
“The government should visit them. The local and state governments, as well as other stakeholders, must come together to improve their lives,” she appealed.
Reflecting on her late husband’s legacy, Mrs Alao-Akala, said her outreach was inspired by his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.
“I just want to make people happy. That was what my husband stood for—putting smiles on faces. Let us continue to show love and care,” she said.
Also lending his voice, a cleric, Adeyamo Ademola, decried the harsh realities facing inmates of the colony, tracing its origin to 1931 when it was established by the old Baptist Medical Centre, now Bowen Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the facility has over the years accommodated patients from across the country, but many now struggle to meet basic needs due to poverty and limited opportunities.
“I feel happy whenever people visit them because it shows there is still love in society. But the truth is that many of them cannot adequately feed themselves and their families,” he said.
Ademola noted that their health condition limits their ability to work, worsening their economic situation, and called on Nigerians to extend support to the less privileged.
“Anyone who lends to the poor is lending to God, and God will always repay,” he stated.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the level of government support, revealing that only a monthly stipend of N5,000 from the local government reaches some residents.
“I will be glad if the state and federal governments can step in because what they are facing is beyond the little support they currently receive,” he said.
The cleric urged authorities to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens, stressing that sustained and coordinated intervention is needed to restore dignity and hope to the residents of the colony.
