Over 400 widows have benefitted from philanthropic gesture of Doyin and Suzan Foundation in Kogi state.
The foundation was founded and funded by Mrs Adedoyin Ibikunle-Eshanumi.
While distributing foodstuffs and N10,000 to each of the widows in Isanlu, Yagba East local government area of Kogi state, Thursday, Ibikunle-Eshanumi said the initiative was aimed to support widows and the less privileged women in her community during Christmas, a time of exchanging gifts.
The philanthropist noted that the NGO had been helping vulnerable women through her monthly empowerment outreach to alleviate their suffering and improve their well-being and livelihoods.
She added that the foundation also distributed foodstuff to over 300 indigent women in rural communities during the last Easter celebration.
“This foundation has also been providing financial assistance to help the widows to cover basic expenses, such as rent, children school fees and medical care. The birth of Christ signified God’s love for mankind, the need to regularly extend the same love to the vulnerable in society,” she stated.
Ibikunle-Eshanumi added that the humanitarian gesture was part of her foundation’s vision to reaching out to the less privileged in order to enhance their standard of living.
“As a woman, I am just doing what I believe is my duty as a human being. These widows deserve our love, care, and support. I’m grateful to be in a position to make a difference in their lives,” she said.
The philanthropist urged well-spirited individuals, NGOs and corporate organisations to emulate Christ’s love for mankind by reaching out to the less privileged in the society.
While admonishing the windows to always put their faith in God and pray for a better Nigeria,she called on government at all levels to pay attention to the welfare and development of girls and women, saying, “when one woman is empowered, the whole community is empowered.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Babatope, said the foundation’s kindness has been a lifeline to them as widows in the area, adding that, “I was struggling to make ends meet, but Chief Doyin’s generosity has given me hope.”
The items distributed included: N10, 000 each, bags of semovita, rice, spaghetti, noodles, seasonings among others.