Scores of the needy and underprivileged benefitted from free food donated by two humanitarian groups Surviving Nigeria Initiative and Rotary Club of Ado-Ekiti (New Dawn) in Ekiti State .
The organisers of the event marking the 2024 World Food Day visited some underserved areas such as Atikankan Beggers’ settlement, Rehabilitation centre, Okesa and Ebira community, Ureje, all in Ado-Ekiti,the Ekiti State capital where they distributed already prepared food to beneficiaries. Some Uniform men on duty were also captured in the gesture.
Rotarian Joshua Adebayo, National Convener of Surviving Nigeria Initiative said the intervention was in demonstration of the organization’s commitment to combacting food crisis and banish hunger in the land .
Adebayo acknowledged the support of some individuals like the Commissioner for Agriculture and Director General, Bureau of Commuhjty Communications and Engagement.
He explained that the programme has created awareness on food security , accessibility and subsistence farming inorder to save the various households from the prevailing food insecurity in Nigeria.
“We’re dedicated to creating awareness and promoting subsistence farming to support household food security, especially as food prices continue to rise .”
“We are not only giving them food but we are equally giving them hope .Because giving food to them once cannot solvevthrir problem but we are reassuring them that things would get better .
So, we are using this avenue to call on well to do individuals to support the priviledged in the society .
In his remarks Oluwaseun Ajimola, President of Rotary Club of Ado Ekiti called stakeholders—government officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations—to unite in the fight against hunger and food insecurity.
He emphasised that the current challenges are great, but through partnerships like the one between the Rotary Club of Ado Ekiti New Dawn and the Surviving Nigeria Initiative,it coujdvbe surmounted
“We must ensure that our efforts to build sustainable food systems reach everyone, especially the most vulnerable members of society. Our actions today will shape the future for generations to come, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of food security and dignity.
“As part of today’s activities, we are proud to introduce the Rotary-Surviving Nigeria Sustainable Agriculture Program here at the Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Center. This program will provide participants with hands-on training in organic farming, water management, and food preservation techniques. By learning these valuable skills, residents will be able to produce their own food, contributing to their sustenance and well-being.
In addition to launching this long-term initiative, we are also providing immediate food aid today to address the pressing needs of the center. However, our focus remains on creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals to take control of their own food security, even beyond this center.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring food sustainability through education, action, and advocacy. Our work aligns with the goals of World Food Day to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Our commitment is reflected in the following key areas:
“Rotary clubs around the world engage in hands-on projects to combat food insecurity. Today, we are proud to launch the Rotary-Surviving Nigeria Sustainable Agriculture Program, which will focus on equipping residents of this center with practical farming skills. This initiative will not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term food security.
“Through our partnerships with organizations like the Surviving Nigeria Initiative, we advocate for policies that promote equitable access to food and water. Together, we work with local and national governments to ensure that food security initiatives are inclusive and address the needs of all, especially the displaced and underserved.”
A youth corps member ,Akinwale Esther who represented the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ekiti State also lauded the initiative.
According to her ,some of her colleagues joined the movement by contributing their quota to support the vulnerables in the society.
” In a situation where the well to do individuals are complaining about economic hardships, you can imagine what the poor would be going through in this country, it is high time ,we supported the underprivileged.So wecdecuded to take this day seriously and reach out the underserved individuals, we hoped that this will not be a one off event “.She said .