Fighting Food Insecurity: Glo Foundation’s Lifeline to Lagos Communities

Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria, with millions of families struggling to afford basic necessities. In response to this crisis, Glo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of telecoms giant Globacom, has launched a nationwide Food Drive initiative to provide relief to vulnerable communities. In partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, the foundation recently distributed food and essential household items to thousands of residents in Ilaje, Bariga, and Ikota communities in Lagos. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this initiative, which aims to alleviate hunger and support struggling families, has been met with overwhelming appreciation, as beneficiaries shared stories of hardship and gratitude

The rising cost of living in Nigeria has left many families struggling to afford basic necessities. Inflation, economic downturns, and unemployment have compounded the situation, making food insecurity a critical issue. In recent years, corporate organisations have been stepping in to provide relief where possible. 

Therefore, it was a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility where thousands of vulnerable families across Lagos State recently benefited from the Food Drive initiative of Glo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of telecoms giant Globacom. 

The initiative, which was aimed at alleviating food insecurity in Nigeria, commenced in Ilaje community, Bariga, before extending to Ikota, Ajah, bringing hope and relief to thousands of underprivileged residents.

A Lifeline to Ilaje Community

The first leg of the food distribution exercise took place at Love Lagos Jetty in Bariga, where thousands of residents, primarily women, gathered in anticipation. In partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Glo Foundation distributed food packages containing rice, garri, spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, toothbrushes, sardines, salt, vegetable oil, and seasoning cubes.

The atmosphere was one of sheer joy, as beneficiaries sang and danced in appreciation. Many of them saw the intervention as an answer to their prayers in these difficult economic times.

Speaking at the event, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Globacom, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities. She noted that the Food Drive initiative was just the beginning of a series of interventions aimed at empowering the underprivileged across Nigeria.

“This food drive is part of our commitment to bringing joy to families and providing relief to those who need it the most,” she stated. “We will continue to expand this initiative to other parts of the country as part of our broader vision of empowerment and community development.”

She also praised Globacom employees who volunteered their time to assist in the distribution, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of giving.

Beneficiaries Speak: ‘This is a Divine Provision’

For many of the recipients, the food packages were more than just material support—they were a lifeline.

Abiola Oladunjoye, an unemployed woman, expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected help. “I really appreciate this. May the Almighty continue to protect the company and may it continue to grow. I pray for more success for you all and the company itself for remembering us here,” she said.

Amarachi Peter, a cook, also expressed her appreciation. “This is a great relief, especially now that the cost of living is so high. I can’t thank Glo Foundation enough for bringing this initiative to our community.”

Eunice Kehinde, a hairdresser struggling to make ends meet, was equally thankful. “It is not easy for my family to feed these days. With this food pack from Glo, we are sure of what to eat for some weeks,” she remarked.

Lagos Food Bank Applauds Globacom

The Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Michael Sunbola, commended Glo Foundation for its generous contribution and urged other corporate bodies to take similar steps.

“We are happy to collaborate with Globacom on this initiative,” he said. “This is the pilot phase, and we are excited that other parts of the country will also benefit. It is important that more organisations join in this fight against hunger and food insecurity.”

With the successful execution in Bariga, the Food Drive train moved to another community in Lagos—Ikota—where thousands more families received much-needed assistance.

Extending Relief to Ikota Community

Two weeks after the intervention in Bariga, the Food Drive continued in Ikota, another underserved area of Lagos. The New Generation Baptist School, where the distribution took place, was filled with eager beneficiaries as early as 7 a.m., hopeful to receive their share of the relief packages.

Once again, Globacom and Lagos Food Bank Initiative joined forces to ensure the smooth execution of the project. The sense of anticipation quickly gave way to celebration as the beneficiaries received their packages, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Glo Foundation for remembering them.

Welcoming the beneficiaries, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity in Nigeria.

“Giving brings joy and smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries as we have seen here today,” she said. “It also makes us happy that we are able to do something to touch the lives of others in a highly interdependent world. The Foundation is working on other projects that will impact various segments across the country.”

Gratitude and Joy from Beneficiaries

As was the case in Bariga, the recipients in Ikota could not hide their excitement. The relief they felt was evident as they danced and cheered in appreciation of the gesture.

Christina Itoro, a POS operator originally from Akwa Ibom, was thrilled when she opened her food package. “When I opened the carton and saw the content, I was so excited. May God bless the company and the staff,” she said.

For Godwin Mary, a kunu drink seller from Benue State, the intervention could not have come at a better time. “My business has been struggling lately, and this food package is a huge relief. I sincerely thank Globacom for remembering us.”

Sarah Oliseh, a housewife, echoed similar sentiments. “I am very happy and so excited getting this from Globacom. It will definitely go a long way to help me and my family,” she said.

A Call for More Collaborations

As the Food Drive initiative moves to other parts of Nigeria, it highlights the importance of sustained corporate involvement in social welfare. The partnership between Glo Foundation and Lagos Food Bank Initiative serves as a model for how businesses can collaborate with non-profits to effect meaningful change.

Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, reinforced the need for more partnerships in the fight against food insecurity.

“This initiative demonstrates that corporations can play a significant role in social development,” he said. “We urge more organisations to step in and contribute towards tackling hunger and poverty in our communities.”

What’s Next for Glo Foundation?

With successful outings in Bariga and Ikota, Glo Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its reach. The Food Drive initiative is expected to extend to other states, ensuring that thousands more Nigerians benefit from the programme.

Jumobi Mofe-Damijo has assured that the initiative is only one aspect of the Foundation’s broader plans. “We are looking at other intervention projects across different sectors that will continue to impact lives positively. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in communities across Nigeria,” she stated.

Essentially, Glo Foundation’s Food Drive initiative is more than just a corporate responsibility project—it is a life-changing intervention for many families facing the harsh realities of food insecurity. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to giving back, the Foundation is setting a precedent for corporate-led humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.