Ikota, a downtown district in Lekki, Lagos, was bustling with activity yesterday as Glo Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos Foodbank Initiative, distributed food packages to thousands of people, particularly aged women, nursing mothers, and widows.
Speaking at the event, Head of CSR at Globacom, Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, said the initiative was aimed at helping vulnerable communities cope with the rising cost of living, especially the soaring price of food. She explained that the company’s goal was to go beyond surface-level interventions by reaching deeply into underprivileged communities, ensuring that those in the most desperate need receive assistance.
“This is our modest way of helping vulnerable communities weather the storm. Our target is to reach out to underserved communities in slum areas, not just those on the roadside. We want to make a difference in their households and lives,” she said.
Senior Manager of Glo Foundation, Mr. Ufuoma Dogun, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the fight against poverty and hunger. He noted that partnering with the Lagos Foodbank Initiative, an organization with a strong track record, was a strategic move to ensure effective food distribution.
“Last week, we were in Bariga, where we attended to thousands of people. Today, we are in Ikota, doing the same for widows and other underserved groups. Our plan is to extend this initiative beyond Lagos. We’re identifying locations like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Kano, but instead of going to state capitals, we’ll focus on suburban areas such as Mpape in Abuja,” Dogun said.
He acknowledged that food donations alone cannot provide lasting solutions, hinting at Glo Foundation’s broader commitment to long-term empowerment. “We are discussing backward integration with Lagos Foodbank to create sustainable income sources for beneficiaries. This includes assisting them in owning farms and other initiatives beyond food distribution,” he added.
In addition to food relief, Dogun revealed that the foundation plans to invest billions in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, which will include remodeling schools, reducing maternal mortality, and supporting education and healthcare in underserved areas.
Executive Director of Lagos Foodbank Initiative, Mr. Michael Sunbola, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the partnership with Globacom has allowed them to expand their reach. “Last week in Bariga, we saw firsthand the impact of collaborations like this. Today, we’ve combined four communities in Ikota, and the difference will be felt by many families,” he said.
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Patricia Junaid, Mrs. Henrietta Khadir, Mrs. Eunice Ozegbe, and Mr. Omotayo Jonathan, expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as a much-needed relief during difficult times.
With plans to expand beyond food distribution into education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, Glo Foundation’s initiative aims to provide not just immediate relief but also long-term solutions for struggling communities across Nigeria.
