A non-governmental organization, Aids for Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable People Initiative (AFOWVPI), has reiterated its commitment to helping the less privileged by reaching out to them with the basic necessities of lives.
Executive Director of AFOWVPI, Reverend David Kayode Ojuola, made this known during the fourth year anniversary celebration of the NGO in Lokoja on Saturday.
AFOWVPI also empowered graduates of its graphic design training with laptops and other tools to assist them start making a living with the acquired skills.
The graduate trainees underwent an intensive 3-month training in graphics design with the aid of AFOWVPI.
Rev Ojuola stated that between January 2020 till date, AFOWVPI has expended a total amount of N13,371,000 on its various intervention programmes.
According to him, the aim of the organization is to impact positively on the lives of the vulnerable and the less privileged members of the Nigerian societies.
“While our mission is to improve the quality of lives and to give people better future, our vision is to empower people with necessary skills and resources to make them self reliant. Also, our vision is to guarantee their total well-being with emphasis on widows, orphans and other vulnerable people.
“The successful implementation of this noble idea attract interests from the children of the family and other well wishers and was made possible through their moral and financial support.
“In its four years of operation AFOWVPI has made tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the vulnerable people and improved their quality of life. Our core operational areas include widows empowerment, support to orphanage homes, food support to the needies/vulnerable, medical support, education support and special empowerment.
“Under the widows empowerment programme, interest-free loans are provided to the widows to either start a small business of their choice or to improve their existing business. In the last four years a total amount of N1,998,000 had been granted to 50 numbers of widows.
“Within the reporting years (2020 to date), a total number of 75 bags of rice and other food items at a cost of N1,385,000 had been made available to the four orphanage homes. This aspect covers total scholarship to some selected students of two orphanages home which are Ekundayo and Christian Orphanage at Isanlu.
“For the period under review a total number of 15 students had benefitted to the amount of 1,886,000 only on the programme. The beneficiaries of the scholarship include students of primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, university and other tertiary institutions.
“On the monthly food distribution programme, meant for the needies and the less privilege members of the society, between January 2020 to the end of June 2024 an average of 3 bags of rice and other food items were shared to the needies on monthly basis. A total amount of 2,440,000 was expended on the
programme in the period,” he said.
Rev. Ojuola said between January 2020 till date, AFOWVPI has been partnering with Kogi State Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Center (now teaching hospital) in the areas of bills settlements and food supply to patient on admissions. In the period under review, a total amount of N989,000 was spent to
assist 40 patients in the two hospitals.
In his goodwill message, the Kogi Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Monday Anyebe lauded the initiative of the foundation for giving back to the society.
Anyebe, who was represented by Director Youth of the Ministry, reiterated the commitment of the Kogi state government to take the youths out of the street, stressing that they will continue to partner with the foundation to succeed in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairperson of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, congratulated the foundation for their significant milestone in the last four years.
Amb, Muraina, who was represented by the Secretary of KONGONET, Reuben Joshua, said AFOWVPI’s humanitarian service space in Kogi state is highly commendable.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering commitment, dedication, and passion in serving the orphaned, widows, and vulnerable individuals in our community.
“Your impact on the lives of those in need has been truly inspiring, and we commend the exceptional work you have done over the past four years. The difference you have made in the lives of many cannot be overstated, and we celebrate your accomplishments with great admiration.
“As the Chairperson of KONGONET, I want to assure you of our continuous support and collaboration with Aids for Orphan, Widows and Vulnerable People Initiative and all civil society organizations working for the best interests of the people of Kogi State,” he stated.
Aids for Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable people Initiative (AFOWVPI) was established in January 2020 and commenced operations the same month. The organization got registered as an NGO with CAC on the June 8, 2020.
