No fewer than 250 widows in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos have been given bags of rice by Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF).
It said the donation was aimed at providing support to vulnerable households facing increased food prices and other economic challenges in the country.
In a statement made available to Maritime Bits, the foundation said it reached out to the widows in partnership with Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, the wife of the Chairman, Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.
Apparently giving an insight into what informed the donation, Mrs. Afolabi was quoted in the statement saying that the rising cost of living has negatively impacted the less privileged and those with low income and noted that her partnership with AAAF was to bring relief to the selected widows.
Her words: “The foundation works with the less privileged and has various programmes to support them and their households. I am partnering with the Foundation to further strengthen their financial capacity to discharge their roles more effectively and to reach more beneficiaries. The last few months have seen a surge in the cost of living, especially food prices. Widows, due to their economic situation, are mostly impacted by changes in the economy. This food donation is to provide succour to these widows and their families.”
The Executive Coordinator, AAAF Mrs. Foluke Ademokun in her remarks, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities, especially widows and their children.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to provide relief and encouragement to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Folashade Afolabi for her motherly concern in supporting us to reach more beneficiaries”, Ademokun added.
The widows expressed their gratitude for AAAF thoughtful gesture as one of them, Mrs. Egwuonwu said: “This donation has come at a time when we truly need it. Before now, I was already thinking of what my children will eat. It is not just about rice, it is about knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. We are grateful to the foundation for remembering us.”
Maritime Bits had reported that AAAF is a non-governmental organization (NGO) alleviating poverty through education, skills and financial empowerment for widows, orphans and vulnerable persons across Nigeria.
It promotes access to skills, education and healthcare for vulnerable children, women, particularly widows and resource poor communities.
It also provides scholarships for primary, secondary and tertiary education, besides building the skills of beneficiaries through training, advocacy and viable collaboration.
