Foundation seeks inclusive fight against hunger

To reduce hunger and boost nutrition in the face of harsh economic realities faced by many families, a non –governmental organisation (NGO), The Candlelight Foundation has urged Nigerians to fight against the menace.

The call was made after a charity walk with hundreds of persons, which started Saturday 6.30am from Babs Animashun Street and ended up at Teslim Balogun stadium Surulere, Lagos.

Executive director, Uzoamaka Okeke stated that The Candlelight Foundation aim is to creating more awareness to encourage every Nigerian to support the initiative to feed and cater for the poor and ensure effective and happy society.

The NGO has a non-profit soup kitchen, with a commitment to bring succour to destitute Nigerians. “It is another great opportunity to raise awareness of the hunger plights in our country and to reduce it. We feed them thrice a week but hope to make every day as soon we get more sponsors and support. We started two years ago with little support and on our own, this year we are elated by the supports from organisations and friends. We are growing.”

She outlined the challenges of running a non-profit soup kitchen in Nigeria: “One of the major challenges is fundraising and creating more awareness.” She also disclosed the factors that have made the NGO unique and outstanding.

“There are so many NGOs out there doing great things for women and children. The Candlelight has found itself catering mostly but not exclusively to the less advantaged men in our society. We are also doing project for children; taking them out of the street, we also have education arms to carter and empower the men and get them jobs after the training.”

She observed that most of these men who are without food jobless and no shelter might end in the homes of good well organized women and they feel threatened when they cannot control them end up battering them these men are not well taken care of the end.

Speaking to The Guardian Mr. Femi Ogunde corporate communication executive Providus Bank, disclosed that the bank is ready to support projects that promote sustainable development goals through corporate social responsibility that would reduce poverty.

He urged the government to train people provide and job commission to retain them in order to make a living and fend for their families.

The Candlelight Foundation appreciated the supported by Providus Bank, FBN Mortgages, Indomie Noodles among others. 

The foundation has organized humanitarian project last month that include the “Football Over Hunger” match between Fintech companies that are Pagatech and Fint and “Walk Against Hunger” and other initiatives to raise funds and sustain the cause and get government’s support.