By: Fatou Krubally
A Nigerian traditional leader in Gambia Tuesday marked his 60th birthday anniversary with donations to two philanthropic organizations in support of vulnerable families and children.
The Royal Father of Nigerians in The Gambia, His Royal Majesty Oba Moshood Kolawole Babalola Abolade (Ariwajoye I) reaches out to Gambia Red Cross Society and SOS Children’s Villages as he observes the birthday on July 30th, 2026.
The donations, presented as part of activities commemorating his Diamond Jubilee birthday, included bags of rice, cooking oil, sugar, onions, beverages, books titled The Making of a Man, buckets and other essential items.
Similar relief materials were donated to the Gambia Red Cross Society to support the organisation’s humanitarian activities.
Speaking during the presentation, Oba Abolade said the gesture reflected his commitment to giving back to society and supporting people in need.
“These are little things I have brought,” he said, expressing gratitude to God for allowing him to reach the milestone and praying for continued strength to support others.
The traditional leader also used the occasion to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among communities, leading participants in a symbolic call for “unity and diversity.”
President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Gambia, Dr. Great Akah Ottudouma, praised the Oba’s philanthropic activities, describing him as a leader committed to service, generosity and the preservation of cultural values.
“Royalty is about giving, leading by example and preserving the cultural heritage of the people,” Dr. Ottudouma said, adding that the monarch had consistently demonstrated these values in The Gambia and beyond.
He disclosed that, as part of the jubilee activities, Oba Abolade had earlier donated science laboratory equipment worth D533,000 to the Nigerian International School in The Gambia.
Officials of the Gambia Red Cross Society welcomed the donation, describing it as timely support, particularly during the rainy season when communities are vulnerable to floods and other emergencies.
They noted that humanitarian organisations rely on preparedness measures, including the availability of relief supplies, to respond quickly to communities affected by disasters.
Representatives of SOS Children’s Villages also expressed appreciation for the support, saying the donation would contribute to improving the welfare of children under their care.
The birthday celebrations combined cultural recognition with acts of charity and community support, highlighting Oba Abolade’s commitment to humanitarian service in The Gambia.