Glo Foundation partners Lagos Food Bank to alleviate hunger in Lagos community

Kehinde Adeleye

In a bid to give back to the rural communities, the Glo Foundation has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative to launch a community outreach programme aimed at alleviating hunger in vulnerable Nigerians.

The event, held at the Love Lagos Jetty in Bariga, Lagos, was a bustling scene filled with joy and hope.

Speaking at the event, Ufuoma Dogun, manager, Glo Foundation Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emphasized the significance of the partnership and the importance of addressing hunger.

“Hunger is one of the major global challenges and one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focusing on eradicating it.

“At Glo Foundation, we are committed to reaching out to the most vulnerable members of society, even as they have supported us since our inception as a brand; hence our slogan, ‘Giving Back Together,’ reflects all staff dedication to give this initiative a meaningful difference across the country,” he said.

Highlighting the collaboration with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dogun said: “We chose to partner with this NGO due to their extensive track record of successful outreach programmes. With their experience and international partnerships, we are confident this collaboration will make a significant impact as we expand our reach across various states.”

The outreach programme is focused on providing relief to over 1,000 women, including widows and others who fall in that category.

Dogun stressed that such large-scale efforts are essential to make a true impact, particularly in addressing hunger and poverty within communities.

To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event, he assured that measures were put in place to prevent stampedes.

He said:”We are aware of potential stampede risks, which is why we are partnering with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, who have successfully managed these events in the past,” he explained, adding that “we have also made provisions to mitigate such challenges.”

In the same vein, Michael Sunbola, executive director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, spoke passionately about the importance of the collaboration.

“Today, we are reaching out to 1,500 vulnerable women in the Bariga community. These women, including widows and the underprivileged, are enduring difficult economic conditions. The food packs we provide are designed to sustain a family of five for two to three weeks,” he said.

Sunbola also emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, “Giving Back Together,” saying “while this is a temporary relief, it is vital in providing hope to these families. Programmes like these must be more coordinated to ensure long-term sustainability.”

He added: “In an effort to maintain order and avoid overcrowding, the beneficiaries were pre-registered and given cards, ensuring a smooth distribution process.

“The pre-registration and card system allowed us to manage the crowd effectively. This ensures safety and order, which is a key aspect of our partnership with Glo Foundation.”

At the event, beneficiaries were visibly grateful for the support, with many expressing their heartfelt thanks.

Mrs Victoria Okwuno, a widow, in her gratitude, said: “As a widow, I have struggled to provide for my children, but this food relief is a blessing. I thank God and the organizers for remembering us in the difficult times.”

Amarachi Peter, a cook, also praised the initiative, noting that the food pack offered significant relief amidst rising cost of living.

“The cost of living is high and tough, but this support will help my family and I for a while,” she said.

Eunice Kehinde, a hairdresser, expressed her appreciation for the food drive, stating, “it has been challenging for my family to make ends meet. With this food pack, we now have something to rely on for some days. I am so thankful to Glo Foundation for considering our community.”

The event was a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable communities.

Glo Foundation and the Lagos Food Bank Initiative’s joint efforts brought much-needed relief and hope to the people of Bariga, reaffirming the importance of giving back to those in need.