In its efforts to alleviate poverty among rural dwellers, Felicia Aduke Foundation (FAF) has organised a one-day relief programme for residents of Alaso, a local community in Lagos state.
The programme recently held in celebration of the posthumous birthday of Felicia Aduke. The FAF gave out medications, school materials for children, clothes for children and adults, medical check-up and also empowered micro scale business owners financially to boost their businesses.
The foundation, which started operations in 2018, was established by Omonike Aremu and Ronke Akinbode in honour of the late Felicia Aduke and late Olufemi Abike , mother and sister to the founders, with the aim of carrying on their legacy as philanthropist.
“The primary reason of the foundation is to keep the memories of my mother and sister alive. However, we aim to bless and empower as many families as we can and it starts with our local community” said Omonike Aremu, co-founder of the foundation.
“Our vision and mission is also in line with sustainable development goals of no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being. We will try to widely reach out to people and improve their standard of living.”
While concerns have been raised over government inadequacies in reaching a larger set of citizens living in extreme poverty, Aremu has this to say: “We cannot leave the government to do all these by themselves. That is why as a foundation we would try to reach as many people as we can, but interventions and donations will go a long way too.”
Speaking to Stella Oreoluwa, the country director for the foundation, she stated that regardless of how little or how much it is, empowering people and helping them go a long way. “We started the relief program in 2018 and have been able to feed and empower no less than 400 residents of a local community.”
“While it is not so easy attending to a whole lot of people, we would not relent in our efforts to keep helping people and fostering poverty alleviation activities.” Oreoluwa added.
“I was given the sum of N10, 000 to boost my business as well as new outfits while my children were given new school bags and clothes” said Omoloye Kemi, a beneficiary of the relief programme.
Gbemi Faminu
