Nigerians have been urged to support government initiatives targeted at assisting the less privileged as part of collective efforts to ease economic hardship across the country.aú
The appeal was made by the President of the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, Mrs. Christiana Okenla, during the club’s Community Economic Development and “Pack to School” projects held in the Ikota community of Lagos State, South-West Nigeria.
Mrs. Okenla noted that government alone cannot meet the needs of all citizens, stressing the need for joint action among individuals, groups, and organisations.
She explained that “the Rotary Club launched the economic development initiative to complement government efforts in mitigating the impact of current economic challenges on vulnerable communities.”
“There is a need for every privileged and well-meaning citizen to join hands with the government in reaching out to the downtrodden around them. It will help reduce the rising rate of crime in the country,”Mrs. Okenla said.
Highlighting the importance of education, Mrs. Okenla described it as the bedrock of any thriving society.
She encouraged the beneficiaries, especially children, to take their education seriously so that they too could give back to society in the future.
Mrs. Okenla also urged widows to make judicious use of the financial support provided.
“We’re teaching the children to have compassion for others as they grow up to become leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
Mrs. Okenla advised the children to remain focused despite life’s challenges.
“Whether you are born with or without a golden spoon, make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to build our communities and put smiles on the faces of the less privileged,” she reiterated.
On the motivation behind the relief project, Mrs. Okenla explained, “all that the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden aims to do is bring joy to the less privileged and underserved—both young and old. We recently concluded our community development month, during which we supported widows, people with disabilities, and offered skills acquisition programs. Ikota is our adopted community for the year.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Benedet Daraba, Second Vice Chairman of the Ikota Development Association, commended the Rotary Club for empowering widows and providing educational materials to primary and secondary school students, describing the gesture as impactful.
He urged other well-placed individuals to emulate the humanitarian efforts of the Rotary Club.
Some beneficiaries also expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Chinwendu Eze, a widow and small business owner, shared, “I’ve been a widow for eight months, with three children to care for. I run a small restaurant to support us. This support will go a long way in helping my business. God bless Rotary Club of Lekki Golden.”
Another widow said, “I didn’t expect it at all. I’ve been a widow for five years, raising four children. With this money, I can expand my bottled water business to include soft drinks. May God continue to bless the Rotary Club.”
A student beneficiary, Emmanuella Akpan, preparing for her Senior WAEC exams, said: “I’m so happy to receive a school bag, mathematical set, and exercise books. This is a big help for me. Thank you, Rotary Club of Lekki Golden.”
A total of eight widows received ₦50,000 each to support their businesses while more than 250 school bags, 1,000 exercise books, and thousands of other educational materials—such as mathematical sets, water bottles, and stockings—were distributed to students under the Pack to School Project by the members of the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden.