By Diana Omueza
The Initiative for the Alleviation of Vulnerable Persons from Poverty (IAVPP), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has distributed food items to no fewer than 200 vulnerable households in Ruga Community, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, tagged “Ruga Food Drive”, was organised on Tuesday in Abuja in collaboration with Beacon Consulting, DME Group and Womenovate.
Mrs Juliana Okoro, Executive Director, IAVPP, said the objective of the food drive was to provide essential food items to those in need and to alleviate hunger in the community
Okoro said that the food drive was expected to help cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the lives of members of the beneficiary 200 households.
“In the past, IAVPP has visited four communities around the FCT and distributed over 950 relief materials to aid the underserved.
“Our mission is to keep doing this and empower people and communities with the resources to enable them to live better lives and end extreme poverty.
“By distributing these food items, the beneficiaries will have access to nutritious meals and can meet their basic nutritional requirements.
“This charitable effort not only offers immediate relief but also fosters a sense of community empathy and support, helping to create a stronger, more compassionate society that takes care of its most vulnerable members,” she said.
She called for government intervention, adding that there was an urgent need to take action against hunger and food insecurity in the country.
The IAVPP executive director also said that the food intervention would not only address immediate needs of those suffering from hunger, but also show governments commitment to the broader vision of achieving the global zero hunger mission.
Similarly, Mrs Juliet Odogwu, Chairperson, IAVPP, said that the food would help vulnerable men, women and children regain hope in humanity and boost self-worth.
“The issue of food security and access to nutritious meals remains an escalating concern in many communities in Nigeria.
“With our mission deeply rooted in eradicating hunger, we are commemorating World Food Day in a meaningful way by launching this food drive project in Ruga community.
“I believe it is our collective obligation to contribute to underserved communities around us and ensure that no one goes to bed hungry,” she said.
NAN reports that some of the beneficiaries in the community lauded the group on their intervention and humanitarian support and called for more support from the government and others.
NAN also reports that items donated include rice, spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, Maggi, salt among others. (NAN)
