Over 500 indigent families in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State, received food boxes from the Yeloto Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, in partnership with Symphony of Praise Incorporation (SOP), to mark the festive season.
The Food Box contains rice, beans, Garri, spaghetti, seasonings, groundnut oil, and cash gifts as part of the organisation’s effort to give back to the community.
According to Yeloto President Yemi Olawaye, the gesture was meant to bring smiles to the faces of community members during the festive season, especially those who can’t afford food to celebrate Christmas.
“Every year, we take joy in putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians. Although I haven’t been to Nigeria in 30 years, I felt the need to give back to the community where I grew up. For the past 11 years, we’ve been dedicated to this cause, and this year we decided to partner with SOP. With poverty affecting many, this is our way of contributing our share to bring happiness to the people.,” Olawaye said
Seun Ayeni, the president of SOP Initiative said the food box initiative was to help alleviate poverty in the society adding that food stuff worth N10,000 was given to each 500 beneficiaries.
He noted that the organization have been engaging in the initiative in the past five years adding that the target is to fete 2000 Lagosian in 2026.
Seun called on other voluntary organisations and governments to emulate Yeloto and SOP by giving back to communities across the state during this festive season.
A guest artiste and Nollywood star at the event Rekiyat Yusuf commended the two organisations for the initiative. “This is such a wonderful initiative. Hunger is a reality in the country, with many people unable to afford even one square meal a day, let alone three, which is truly heartbreaking. That’s why I’m so glad to be part of it.,” she said.
Beneficiaries thanked the two organisations for the free food box and called on the government to emulate them. “Last year we collected rice, chicken, and cash and this year, they are giving us the same things. They have done well for us, and we wish them well,” said Toyin Olayeni, one of the beneficiaries.
