A non-governmental organisation, Prince Adeyinka Illo Foundation, on Sunday distributed no fewer than 300 packs of food items to residents of Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State, to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the food items distributed to the beneficiaries include garri, rice, cooking oil and beans.
Speaking during the exercise in Ikeja, Prince Adeyinka Illo, Chairman of the foundation, said the gesture was to support residents in the face of the present economic situation of the country.
He said that the gesture was also to complement government’s efforts in providing succour to Nigerians, owing to the effects of subsidy removal.
According to him, well-meaning Nigerians will be helping a lot by supporting the poor and the vulnerable in this present situation.
“Today we have put together 300 food packs to support the government, and to help Ikeja residents to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.
“The foundation will soon come start a medical outreach that will move from ward to ward in Ikeja, bringing medicare to the underserved communities in the state capital.
“This is besides a programme to distribute free UTME forms and free tutorials that will be unveiled in the coming year to help students of the local government get ahead and not have their education stopped for lack of funds,” Illo said.
Illo said he was passionate about the welfare and welfare of the people of Ikeja and would continue to do his best to impact lives in the area.
The National President of the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), Chief Ajibola Aragbaye, praised Illo for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to help the beneficiaries.
Aragbaye urged other well- meaning Nigerians to join hands with the government in improving the lot of the people and making life bearable for the less privileged.
Prince Adekunle Apena, The Regent of Ikeja, urged the beneficiaries to pray for the donor.
“We can only urge all of you the beneficiaries to make good use of it. Please don’t sell it. And please, don’t collect it if you do not need it.
“Remember there are people who may not have as much as you and who might be going through tough times,” the community leader said.
Mrs Tawakat Alebiosu, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the foundation for the gesture.
Alebiosu,a septuagenarian, said that food items would help to take care of herself and family.
“I really appreciate the kind gesture given to elderly at this point in time.The quality of the palliatives can not be over- emphasised.
“The food will sustain me for two weeks,” she said.
Mr Friday Ijuh, also a beneficiary, hailed the foundation for remembering the community and for supporting residents.
Ijuh urged other NGOs to emulate the gesture, to make life better for the vulnerable.
Mr Jimoh Taofeek,another beneficiary, while showing his appreciation to the foundation, prayed that God will continue to bless it and its founder.
