The Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday distributed foodstuffs, clothing and other items to indigent residents in the community.

The programme tagged “Love Showcase,” was part of ongoing activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the university.

Speaking during the programme, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, said that the distribution of the items was in the fulfilment of the scripture to show love to mankind.

Mr Akindele, represented by his deputy, Prof. Peter Aderonmu, said the university wanted the host community “to feel the love of its 20th anniversary.”

He said, “We are in such an economy that people at the top don’t bother about what happens to the people at the grassroots. One of the ways to show the love of Christ is to reach out to them and that is what we are doing today. The university will continue to show love to the residents in the community.”

Also, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, said the gifts were to bring succour to indigent residents in the community.

He said, “The university is sitting on a tripod of teaching, research and community service. What we are doing today is to fulfil the third aspect of it, which is community service through the showing of love. Now that we are doing our anniversary, we want to give back to the society.’’

Earlier, the VC’s wife, Hannah Akindele, urged the beneficiaries of the items to continue to pray for the progress of the university.

One of the beneficiaries, Opeyemi Ibrahim, commended the management of the university for the gesture.

According to Ibrahim, the few items he collected will go a long in meeting his needs.

Similarly, another beneficiary, Ajibola Kareem, said that the gesture of the university should be emulated by others.

The distributed items include food, clothing, shoes, sanitary pads, electronic gadgets, among others.

The beneficiaries were given numbers to pick items of their choice, while the distribution of electronic gadgets such as washing machine, freezer and mobile phones were done through a raffle draw.

(NAN)