Foundation Aids 700 Kwara Families With Food, Cash

No fewer than 700 vulnerable families in Kwara State received food items and a cash grant of ₦10,000 each from the Peter and Deborah Foundation on Sunday. The distribution was part of the foundation’s annual humanitarian outreach aimed at cushioning the effects of the prevailing economic hardship during the festive season.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Ademola Gbenle, urged governments at all levels to partner with credible non-governmental organisations to better address the needs of citizens. Represented by a coordinator, Prince Akin Arowolo, Gbenle lamented the increasing hardship faced by Nigerians.

“If governments collaborate with credible grassroots organisations like ours to ameliorate the suffering of the people, more will be done,” he stated.

He explained that the initiative, now in its tenth year, is a way of giving back to society. This year’s beneficiaries were selected from various parts of the state, with 250 chosen from Gbenle’s hometown of Ahun in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The outreach cut across religious lines.

Gbenle emphasized that civil society organisations often have stronger community ties and a clearer understanding of local needs, making such collaborations vital for effective social intervention.

Mrs. Aishat Ibraheem, an aunt to the founder, described Gbenle as deeply committed to philanthropy, a trait she attributed to his upbringing. “He experienced hardship while growing up and understands the importance of supporting others. This gesture, sustained for 10 years, is in memory of his parents,” she said.

A community leader in Ahun, Mr. James Olaniyu Dada, commended the foundation’s efforts, describing it as a major source of relief. “Imagine someone feeding 700 families and also giving them money at this time. Such a gesture should be encouraged,” Dada remarked.

Beneficiaries, including Mr. Abdulsalam Taiwo Oladosu, expressed gratitude and called on other affluent individuals to emulate the gesture to reduce widespread suffering.

Distributed items included bags of rice, beans, semovita, groundnut oil, and cash support.