No fewer than 700 vulnerable families across Kwara State have benefitted from food items and cash support from the Peter and Deborah Foundation as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country. Each beneficiary received relief materials, including a cash donation of ₦10,000.
The intervention, which took place on Sunday, was part of the foundation’s annual humanitarian outreach aimed at supporting indigent households during the yuletide season.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the foundation, Mr Ademola Gbenle, urged governments at all levels to work with credible non-governmental organisations to better address the needs of vulnerable citizens.
Gbenle, who was represented by one of his coordinators, Prince Akin Arowolo, expressed concern over the growing hardship faced by many Nigerians. He stressed that partnerships with grassroots organisations would enable government interventions to reach more people effectively.
“If governments collaborate with credible grassroots organisations like ours to ameliorate the suffering of the people, more will be done,” he said.
He explained that the outreach was designed to give back to society and provide some relief to struggling families during the festive period.
According to him, the annual food distribution programme, now in its tenth year, has continued to grow in scope and impact. This year, 700 beneficiaries were selected from different parts of Kwara State.
“Out of the 700 beneficiaries, 250 were selected from my hometown, Ahun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, while others were drawn from different backgrounds and communities, cutting across religious lines,” he added.
Gbenle highlighted the important role of civil society organisations, noting that they often have closer ties with communities and a better understanding of their needs. He emphasised that stronger collaboration between government and NGOs could make social intervention efforts more effective.
An aunt to the founder, Mrs Aishat Ibraheem, described Gbenle as someone deeply committed to helping others, attributing his generosity to values instilled by his parents.
“He experienced hardship while growing up and understands the importance of supporting others. This gesture, which he has sustained for 10 years, is in memory of his parents and reflects the values they taught him,” she said.
A community leader in Ahun, Mr James Olaniyu Dada, commended the foundation for its continued support, describing it as a major source of relief to residents.
“Imagine someone feeding 700 families and also giving them money at this time. Such a gesture should be encouraged,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Abdulsalam Taiwo Oladosu, thanked the foundation and urged other wealthy individuals to emulate the initiative.
“If more well-to-do individuals remember and support the less privileged, the suffering in the land will be greatly reduced,” he said.
Items distributed included bags of rice, beans, semovita, groundnut oil, and ₦10,000 cash for each beneficiary.
