Over 500 Indigent families in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State, went home with a food box donated by non-governmental organisations, Yeloto Foundation, in conjunction with Symphony of Praise Incorporation, SOP, to celebrate the festive period.
The Food Box content includes rice, beans, garri, spaghetti, food seasonings, groundnut oil, and cash gifts as part of the organisation’s initiative to give back to society.
According to the President of Yeloto, Dr, Yemi Olawaye,the gesture was to put smiles on the faces of the people in the community during the festive period, especially those who are not able to afford food to celebrate Christmas.
“It’s our pleasure every year to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. I have not been in Nigeria for 30 years, but I felt I should give back to my community where I grew up.
We have been doing this for the past 11 years, and we decided to partner with SOP this year. There is poverty in the land, and for us, this is how we can contribute our quota to make the people happy,” Olawaye said
Seun Ayeni, the president of SOP Initiative, said the food box initiative was to help alleviate poverty in society, adding that foodstuffs worth N10,000 were given to every 500 beneficiaries.
He noted that the organisation have been engaging in the initiative in the past five years, adding that the target is to feed 2000 Lagosians in 2026.
Seun called on other voluntary organisations and governments to emulate Yeloto and SOP by giving back to communities across the state during this festive season.
A guest artiste and Nollywood star at the event Rekiyat Yusuf commended the two organisations for the initiative.
“This is an amazing initiative. Everyone knows that there is hunger in the country. Many people can not afford one square meal a day talkless of three, which is heartbreaking, so I am excited to be part of it,” she said.
Beneficiaries thanked the two organisations for the free food box and called on the government to emulate them .
“Last year we collected rice, chicken, and cash and this year, they are giving us the same things. They have done well for us and we wish them well,” said Toyin Olayeni, one of the beneficiaries.
