Hardship: Foundation Supports Old Residents With Food Palliative, Cash in Lagos

A non-governmental organisation, Bunmi Obakoya Foundation as part of measures to minimise the current effects of economic hardship faced by the masses has commenced sharing food palliative and cash intervention to older residents of the Ilupeju axis of Lagos.

Commenting at the event tagged “Let Love Lead” the foundation’s founder, Hon. Bunmi Obakoya disclosed that the initiative is aimed at providing succour to older people in society, as well as catering to the needs of women and youth empowerment.

The philanthropist remarked that as part of activities to commemorate her birthday, the food palliative and cash intervention initiatives have been to Yaba, Magodo with plans to extend to other places around Lagos.
She stated,”We are working on going to Omole very soon. I grew up in Ilupeju. And this is actually where I was brought up from and that’s why we are here in Ilupeju to distribute these palliatibes to them”

The businesswoman asserts that the government can not do it all, hence there is a need for individual support to the masses and the aged in society.

According to her, “These achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support we have received from partners, including the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

“Well, my foundation is Bunmi Obakoya Foundation. It’s about youths, women, and the old. It doesn’t have anything to do with politics. If you’re Igbo, if you’re Yoruba, if you’re Hausa, I’m there to support In any capacity that I can support, my foundation is ready to support,” she averred.

Speaking further, “Since we have been officially registered in 2021.We have impacted over 20,000 lives in Ilupeju and our efforts have focused on tackling issues that affect the wellbeing of our community, including educational support, food assistance, youth training and empowerment, and healthcare for the elderly.”

She asserts that some of the alleviating initiatives the foundation has undertaken include the recent donation of 2,000 5kg rice to 2,000 people in the society.

“We realized that there’s poverty and hunger everywhere. I asked myself a question, what can I do for my people? Because we can’t wait for the government to do everything for us. So I decided to initiate this intervention programme knowing that people are hungry,” she said.

Obakoya added that in terms of education, the NGO provides scholarships for 18 students across the University, secondary and primary schools while supporting schools with text books, writing materials and others.

Similarly, she added,” The foundation aimed at expanding the outreach to rural areas with the hope of making impacts in all aspects, but it’s a gradual thing. We’re not going to do it all at once’’