To put a smile on the faces of indigent people in society, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Touch of Love and Lifting Hands Foundation, has empowered over 100 widows and vulnerable and less-privileged women in the Lfako Ljaye Local Council of Lagos State.
The founder, Dr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, said the event was to celebrate Christmas with the elderly, widows, vulnerable, and less-privileged in society. She said the gesture was in line with the group’s core value of providing succour to the elderly and empowering widows and the vulnerable in society.
Owolabi said that the essence of celebrating Christmas was to put smiles on their faces despite the challenges and turbulence being faced in the country.
She said, “This is a ministry God has placed in my hands. We have been doing this humanitarian service for the past six years. Though this year came with so much economic disruption, we still find it in our hearts to celebrate it because it is part of us. We will not relent in contributing our own quota to giving back to society.”
Owolabi, who is the Chairperson of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, explained further that the foundation was dedicated to taking care of and uplifting elderly people, widows, and the vulnerable in society.
“It is devoid of religious discrimination and the inclination of beneficiaries that caters for both the Christian and lslamic faiths.”. The councilor representing Ward E in the Lfako Ljaye legislative arm, Hon. Adebo Samuel Kayode, expressed joy and commended Engr. Atinuke for her effort in trying to eradicate poverty and showing love to the widows and vulnerable, especially the elderly mothers.
He stated that many individuals have such resources, but to show a little love to those with less privilege becomes a problem. He called on industries, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to identify with NGOs in providing succour for widows and other vulnerable women, adding that the government cannot do it alone.
Hon. Kayode, who is the deputy majority leader in Lfako Ljaye Council, urged the widows and vulnerable to be empowered to make good use of the opportunity given to them.