In a heartwarming act of charity, retired neuropsychiatric care practitioner and philanthropist, Mr. Abiodun Kenneth Haruna, celebrated the dawn of the new year by donating essential provisions and refreshments to patients and staff at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta.

The gesture, which has become an annual tradition for Haruna for the past five years, was also his chosen way of marking his birthday, shifting focus from personal celebration to uplifting the vulnerable.

Speaking at the event, Haruna, who is fondly called "Original Blackman," shared his deep connection to the institution and his philosophy of giving.

"My journey began here. I was a student at this Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, and later worked here for a long time before leaving for the UK to practice until my recent retirement. Now, I feel a strong pull to return home to Nigeria. There's truly no place like home," he stated.

Explaining his motivation, Haruna said, "As we are blessed to see another year, I believe in celebrating differently. While there's nothing wrong with birthday parties, I choose to redirect those resources to people in genuine need."

"This is why, for the past five years, I have chosen a hospital every January 1st, my birthday, to celebrate with the patients. This year, I chose the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta and provided basic care items for all the patients who find themselves here during the holidays, hoping it assists in their comfort and recovery. I also brought refreshments for the dedicated staff on duty—we cannot forget those who care for others while we celebrate," he explained.

Haruna called on other fortunate Nigerians to join in such acts of giving, stressing that individuals in comfortable positions, both at home and abroad, have the power to spread significant joy.

Expressing gratitude for the comprehensive donation, a Supervising Officer at the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scale of Haruna's kindness as remarkable, and emphasized that the donated items would aid the patients' welfare and supplement their care.

A close friend of the philanthropist, Engr. Olaolu Adedokun, attested to Haruna's enduring character, saying, "Generosity is his core. That is the very quality that drew me to him as a friend. This New Year's donation, which he does annually, is a true reflection of his spirit."

The event provided a festive atmosphere within the hospital wards, offering patients and dedicated healthcare workers a moment of joy and a sense of communal support as the new year began.