Two hundred vulnerable households in Lagos have been given foodstuffs to cushion the effect of economic hardship.
This is courtesy of an NGO, Human Development Initiative Foundation, HDIF, in celebration of its twenty-nine years of impactful empowerment to the marginalized in the society.
At the ceremony held at University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, commended HDIF for complementing government’s effort in giving back to the society, through deliberate collaboration to bring people out of poverty.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Entrepreneurship Development Department in the Ministry, Mrs Taiwo Abisoye, reaffirmed the commitment of the State government to initiatives that promote economic inclusion and social welfare.
“This initiative by HDIF is one of those critical steps designed to ease burdens, restore dignity and open doors.
We must also recognize that sustainable empowerment goes beyond temporary relief.
It involves capacity building, skills acquisition,entrepreneurship support, and continuous engagement.
As a government, we remain committed to expanding programs that will create jobs, supportsmall businesses, and foster innovation among our people.
Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the organizers, partners, and stakeholders who have made this event possible.
Your dedication tohumanity and social development is truly commendable” he said”.
I reaffirm the commitment of the Lagos State Government toinitiatives that promote economic inclusion and social welfare.
Together,through collaboration and shared purposes, we can build a Lagos where no one is left behind” the Commissioner said.
The Executive Director, HDIF, Mrs Olufunso Owasanoye, said the initiative was to put smiles on the faces of the vulnerable people, which included the widows, aged, people with disabilities of different clusters, with words of encouragement of a better tomorrow through hardwork, faith, hope and perseverance.
Mrs Owasanoye who explained that thousands of children have been educated from primary school to University through the foundation, urged other well meaning Nigerians to collaborate with HDIF to reach more less privileged in the society.
“Today, we are gathered to talk about an issue that touches the heart of every community economic empowerment for vulnerable families.
Vulnerability is not a choice. Many families find themselves struggling due to unemployment, illness, loss, conflict, or circumstances beyond their control.
But vulnerability does not define destiny” she encouraged “Our aim is to move families from dependency to self-reliance.
Today some of guests will be giving information on what you can do no matter how small, your mindset is very important you must believe in yourself, your abilities, and a better future.
Always ask questions speaking out don’t just sit down”
“There are some Government scheme families can benefit from, that is available Education Nelfund, Lagos state vocational skillera Eko, Cheap markets just set up by SanwooluOPD to get Justice for masses, CMC for land mattersNGO working in specific areas (CPN) Church and mosque.
“Owasanoye said One of the Donors of HDIF and Chairman of the occasion, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola, who spoke on the theme, “Small Steps, Big Change,” noted that it is not just inspiring but instructive, while giving life account of himself, he reminded beneficiaries that transformation does not always begin with grand gestures, but with deliberate, consistent actions.
“Every empoweredindividual, every supported family, and every opportunity created is a step toward a stronger, more prosperous society”.
The beneficiaries who took home 5kg each of Rice, Beans and Garri per household appreciated HDIF for the gesture, while calling on the state government to stop politicizing its empowerment programs.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada