Kogi clergy urge Nigerian youth to

Renowned clergyman in Kogi State, Reverend Kayode Ojuola, has warned Nigerians to avoid the planned #EndbadGovernance protest as the consequences could be disastrous.

Our correspondent in Kogi Statereports that Ojuola made the warning on Saturday at the fourth anniversary celebration of the Aids for Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable People Initiative (AFOWVPI) and the graduation ceremony of students of the Graphic Design course in Lokoja.

According to him, people in Nigeria are currently living below the poverty line, which is why rapid intervention is needed.

He urged the government to listen to the grievances of the people, adding that the hardship in Nigeria was becoming unbearable.

“My advice is that the government should listen to the complaints of the people and change some of its policies to make life easier. It is not only the youth and the poor who are suffering, the rich in Nigeria are also crying.

“As for the people planning the protest, I say let them call it off because we want peace. We all know what is going on in Uganda, Sudan and Kenya. If they protest, life will get worse. We appeal to the youth to call off the protest and see what the government is willing to do to alleviate the current suffering in our country.

He recalled that the #EndsarsProtest was still in its infancy in the country as it was hijacked by gangsters, resulting in destruction of properties and loss of innocent lives.

Ojuola stated that between January 2020 and date, AFOWVPI has spent a total of N13,371,000 on its various programmes.

According to him, the aim of the organization is to “have a positive impact on the weak and disadvantaged in Nigerian society.”

“AFOWVPI was born out of the desire of Rev. and Mrs. Ojuola to help the needy and privileged by providing them with the basic necessities of life. The successful implementation of this noble idea aroused the interest of the children of the family and other benefactors and was made possible by their moral and financial support.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life and give people a better future. Our vision is to provide people with the necessary skills and resources to become independent. Our vision is also to ensure their overall well-being, with a focus on widows, orphans and other vulnerable people.

“In the four years of its existence, AFOWVPI has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of the vulnerable and improved their quality of life. Our main areas of activity include widow support, orphanage support, food support to the needy/vulnerable, medical care, educational support and special support

“Under the Widows Empowerment Scheme, interest-free loans are provided to widows to enable them to either start a small business of their choice or improve their existing business. In the last four years, a total amount of 61,998,000 has been given to 50 widows.

“During the years under review (till date 2020), a total of 75 bags of rice and other food items valued at N1,385,000 were provided to the four orphanages. This aspect includes a total scholarship for some selected students of two orphanages, namely Ekundayo and Christian Orphanage in Isanlu. The scholarship recipients include students from primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, universities and other tertiary educational institutions.

“During the reporting period, a total of 15 students benefited from the programme alone, totalling USD 1,886,000. We are also introducing the Covid-19 Food Assistance Programme to cushion the impact of Covid on the general public.

“Under the monthly food distribution programme, which is aimed at the needy and less privileged members of the society, an average of 3 bags of rice and other food items per month were distributed to the needy between January 2020 and the end of June 2024. A total amount of 2,440,000 was spent on the programme during this period.

“From January 2020 to date, AFOWVPI has been collaborating with Kogi State Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre (now teaching hospital) in the areas of bill settlement and food provision to patients on admissions. During the period under review, a total amount of N989,000 was spent to cater to 40 patients in the two hospitals.

“AFOWVPI’s educational grant program is aimed at students of colleges and universities in Nigeria. Over the last four years, a total of 8 students have benefited from the program to the tune of 317,000 Naira.

“Our foundation scorecards are evaluated based on two criteria: The positive feedback from project beneficiaries. This shows that AFOWVPI has had a positive impact on the quality of life of the beneficiaries. This is extremely encouraging. It is gratifying that so much money has been spent because it is worth the money.

In his congratulatory message, Monday Anyebe, Kogi Commissioner for Youth and Sports, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Youth, praised the Foundation’s initiative to give back to the society.

He reiterated the commitment of the Kogi State Government to take the youths off the streets and stressed that it would continue to work with the Foundation to achieve success in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of Kogi NGO Network, Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, who was represented by the Secretary of the association, Reuben Joshua, congratulated the foundation on its significant milestones in the last four years, adding that its humanitarian service in Kogi State was highly commendable.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to your tireless commitment, dedication and passion in serving orphans, widows and vulnerable people in our community.

“Your impact on the lives of those in need has been truly inspirational and we acknowledge the extraordinary work you have done over the last four years. The difference you have made to many people’s lives cannot be overstated and we celebrate your achievements with great admiration.

“As Chairman of KONGONET, I want to assure you of our continued support and collaboration with the AIDS FOR ORPHAN WIDOWS AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE INITIATIVE and all civil society organizations working for the interest of the people of Kogi State,” he stated.

Aids for Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable people Initiative (AFOWVPI) was established in January 2020 and began operations the same month. The organization was registered as an NGO with CAC on June 8, 2020.

The highlight of the ceremony is the presentation of start-up tools for graduates.

Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)


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Michael Suyi

Fresh Angle International Correspondent in Kogi State

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