Kwara: Organisation distributes food items to vulnerable indigenes
Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin
The United States branch of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has launched its annual food distribution campaign, demonstrating its commitment to supporting vulnerable community members during the sacred month of Ramadan.
Under this initiative, approximately 230 bags of food items will be allocated to each of the five local government areas within the Emirate, benefiting over 1,200 families. This strategic distribution aims to address the diverse levels of food insecurity prevalent across the region.
The ceremony, held at Abdulrazaq Road, GRA, Ilorin, was marked by palpable excitement and gratitude, signifying the beginning of a series of endeavours dedicated to providing essential sustenance to those in need.
The efforts are made possible through the dedicated work of local volunteers drawn from each of the five local governments within the Ilorin Emirate.
Cash donations
The event’s main highlight was the distribution of food items valued at over #8.5 million, alongside cash donations totaling #1.2 million. These provisions were specifically targeted at vulnerable individuals across Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West, and Moro local governments.
The gesture underscores the unwavering commitment of the organization to serve the community and ease the challenges faced by many during the fasting period.
In his address, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, the National President of IEDPU, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the American branch for their commendable efforts. He also highlighted their ongoing initiatives, such as the provision of boreholes, demonstrating a sustained dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community.
He noted that “During Ramadan, we are encouraged not only to fast and pray, but to be generous and this is a reflection of your generosity, which has become a yearly event. On behalf of the NEC, I thank you for the honour given us to be special guest of honour at this event and pray Allah continue to be with you all.”
Abdulmalik, however, said the Union wouldn’t mind hosting the next edition of the event at the National Headquarters to make it more colourful.
Also Read: Palliative: Kwara State distributes Rice to Labour Unions
Additionally, a US-based trained civil engineer and former chairman of IEDPU-USA, Engr. Babatunde Ayinde lent his support to the noble cause, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in addressing societal challenges.
“Our plan is to ensure we don’t forget our people back home when we are out there and that’s what is manifesting. We thank the National President for the wonderful job. There is no place like home and we will continue to remember our people. We urge the volunteers to ensure these items get to vulnerable people it is meant for, to ensure it serves the intended purpose and also serve as encouragement to the donors.”
The Local Volunteers, who are integral to the success of the distribution campaign, reassured the leadership of the IEDPU-USA of their dedication to ensuring that the food reaches the less privileged across the five Local Government Areas of the Emirate.
As the Ramadan Food Distribution campaign gains momentum, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and solidarity in building a more inclusive and resilient society.
With the support of dedicated volunteers and esteemed dignitaries, the IEDPU United States Branch continues to exemplify the spirit of generosity and empathy, embodying the true essence of community service.
Other dignitaries at the event included the National Secretary of IEDPU – Mallam Imam Abubakar, the National Social Secretary of IEDPU, former President of the 3rd Estate – Alhaji Yahaya Yinka, Alhaji Adebayo Ibrahim and Dr. Ajao Abdulateef.
IEDPU is the umbrella union of all indigenes of Ilorin Emirate both at home and abroad with the objective of fostering and promoting unity, progress and mutual understanding among indigenes.
