The Helpline Social Support Initiative, a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, has marked its 22nd annual Reach Out programme for vulnerable women and widows drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
In her address, the Founder, Dr Jumai Ahmadu emphasised the importance of compassion and shared experience.
“It’s not because we have too much, because we know where we are coming from… nothing is too small to give and nobody is too poor to give,” she said.
Dr Jumai disclosed that items distributed this year were largely sourced from the organisation’s farm, including garri, beans and cassava products, processed by volunteers and beneficiaries.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the initiative had remained consistent in its mission over the years.
“This one is not different from what we’ve been doing in the past 22 years. Every year we just want these widows and vulnerable women to have a feel of Christmas. Our target is to just give them a meal,” she said.
Dr Ahmadu explained that the support included food items such as rice, oil and condiments, with additional donations from friends and family members.
Dr Jumai noted that “21 clusters drawn from Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and parts of Kaduna States participated, adding that incentives such as a dryer and sewing machine would be awarded to the best-performing cluster.”
On the link between social support and national security, she said: “It is very important even though the support we are giving, I won’t see it as a support that is sustainable… But this always goes a long way… because these people who are committing this crime are children of women.”
Reflecting on the growth of the initiative, Dr Ahmadu stated: “We started with less than 50 women and I can tell you that we have over 2,500 women in the helpline fold.”
She explained the cluster-based empowerment model, including the non-profit revolving loan scheme, where women contribute monthly to empower others within their groups.
“That way, the cluster is growing,” she said, adding that many beneficiaries are now suppliers of liquid soap, sesame seed cake, peanuts and bags.
Some beneficiaries also shared testimonies. Kadijat Usman of Khady Peace Foundation For Orphans And Widows Gwagwalada, Abuja said; “the empowerments of Helpline brings out the darkness in widows and replace it with light… We have four graduates now, with the help and intervention of Helpline Foundation.”
She described Dr Ahmadu as “a doctor that treat without tablets…She wipe away tears.”
Another beneficiary, Rita Joseph, said: “Helpline has affected our lives positively… all the clusters have benefited seriously.”
A daughter of a widow, Adama Adam Abdulsalam, a 200 level Linguistics undergraduate at the University of Abuja, said:“Helpline has supported us with a lot of things… its through businesses established with their money. Money from businesses help with our school needs.”
The empowerment which featured an economic growth session was delivered by Musa Ahmadu, a Business Development Expert who introduced beneficiaries to the STOP mode.
“STOP means Savings, Tax, Operations and Profits. You must structure your small business. As mothers , you cannot be using your business money to solve family issues. Have a business account and a savings account… “ he clarified.
Items distributed to over 500 beneficiaries including Persons with Disabilities,who exceeded the projected 375 ,included bags of rice, maize, wrappers, cooking oil, beans, garlic, salt, tomato paste and seasoning.
The Helpline Social Support Initiative empowerment will continue in Kogi and Nasarawa States next week.
Lateefah Ibrahim