In a remarkable display of community spirit and generosity, the Alternative Progressives Circle, an independent group in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Lagos State, has donated food items including scores of cartons of noodles and bags of rice to the St. Monica’s Orphanage Home in Iju Ishaga area of Lagos.
Speaking during the donation exercise on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, leader of the group, Comrade Abiodun Yakub Adam, said the donation was done in honour of the state Deputy governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who has a very strong welfare humanitarian package for vulnerable Nigerians and has further identified orphans as the most vulnerable group.
The initiative, Adam noted, not only celebrated the milestone of the Deputy Governor’s life but also emphasized the importance of giving back to the community.
He highlighted that this initiative serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift the less fortunate within society.
“We have decided to support the St. Monica’s Orphanage Home with foodstuffs in as part of Nigeria’s independence celebration to ensure improved upbringing of vulnerable Nigerian children, and to enable them to grow up to be good citizens of the country.”
Expressing the group’s gratitude for the Deputy Governor’s enduring commitment to public service and social welfare, Adam said Dr. Hamzat, who celebrated his 60th birthday in September despite being from a privileged family, is the perfect definition of humanity who has been able to leave a meaningful impact in the lives of those that have come across him.
“He doesn’t know how to look away when he sees someone he needs. His love for humanity and his philanthropic gesture which he intentionally keeps away from the media is second to none.
Comrade Abiodun Yakub Adam explained that with the support of Dr. Hamzat, donations to the less privileged in the society wouldn’t be a one-off thing, but a sustained relationship, adding “We will from time to time have a conversation on their needs and will immediately provide support as soon as they let us know.”
The sister-in-charge of the Orphanage which is under the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Sis. Therese Marie, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the generous gesture.
She commended the group and the deputy governor of Lagos, Dr. Femi Hamzat for their kind gesture, saying it would go a long way in assisting the Orphanage to take care of the children.
While acknowledging the significance of community support in creating a more equitable society, she noted that the notable act of kindness not only celebrated a personal milestone but also resonated with the core values of compassion and solidarity that underpin the fabric of Lagos State.
Calling on individuals and organisations to continue to replicate similar gestures to the orphanage, emphasising the Home’s reliance on goodwill donations from people and organisations, Sister Marie enjoined all residents to always contribute to causes that will benefit the less privileged in society and make the world a better place.
