TEARS of joy welled up recalling the old good and peaceful days when children of a renowned trader, late Baba Mathew Olaleye, visited and donated relief materials to both Christian and Muslim women in Gana-Ropp community, the recently attacked community in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The children whose father settled in the community from Oyo State since early mining days was instrumental to the presence of Baptist Church in Gana-Ropp, thought it wise to come back and support the less privileged women in the community through their Changing Lives Project: “Godly Seed” recently .
Presenting the items first on behalf of the family to the Chief Imam of Gana-Ropp Central Mosque, Sheikh Haruna Baba Hadaijah (Malam Kadan), the eldest son of Baba Olaleye, Dr. Daniel Mathew Olaleye, said this was to support the aged women in their little way and to also renew the long friendship that existed between their parents and them as little children then.
Receiving the items , the Chief Imam said, “I am very happy that despite all that happened in the past, they are not afraid to come and donate to this community. This is true proof of brotherhood and I am highly impressed with you for what you have done because you have demonstrated to us how peaceful we were as a community.
“ I call on our Muslim brothers to emulate the Baba Mathew’s children”.
On his part, the Muslim Community Leader of Gana-Ropp, Elder Buba ( Man-B), described late Baba Mathew as a committed Christian and was their parents’ friend. He said his children were just like brothers to them. “We thank God for the peace we are enjoying now. We have been preaching on the need to live peacefully because without peace, there will be no development”, he pointed out.
Similarly, the family proceeded to the Baptist Church and donated same to the Christian community of Gana-Ropp, where the Church Leader, Pastor Stephen Adamu, appreciated them for their kind gesture. He prayed God to bless them and replenish in full what they have spent.
The representative of Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN) Gana-Ropp, Monday Danladi, described the action of Baba Mathew Olaleye’s children as a true show of love to them and prayed that, God would continue to bless the family so that they would continue to do good to the community and others.
Dr. Daniel Mathew Olaleye, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Joyce Daniel Mathew, younger brother, Samson Mathew (Ozogula) and a broadcaster and minister with The Redeemed Chtistian Church Jos, Ambassador Yeme Mathew (brother), later visited the old house they were all given birth in. It was heart-warming as they reminiscenced on their past.
