The My People First Foundation has extended its humanitarian intervention to the Makoko riverine community in Lagos State, distributing hundreds of mosquito nets and raincoats to residents living and carrying out their livelihoods on the waterways.
The intervention was carried out following the Foundation’s assessment of the living conditions and daily challenges faced by residents of the community, particularly their exposure to mosquitoes and the difficulties associated with movement and economic activities during the rainy season.
Makoko is a unique riverine settlement where many residents live, trade, fish and transport themselves on the water. The beneficiaries of the intervention include members of the Egun community, citizens of the Republic of Benin and other residents who have made Makoko their home.
Presenting the items, the Founder of My People First Foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, said the gesture was aimed at providing practical support to people whose daily lives and livelihoods are directly connected to the waterways.
She commended the residents for their resilience, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, describing their ability to sustain businesses and families under challenging circumstances as worthy of recognition.
Hajiya Aishat assured the community that the Foundation would return to Makoko in the near future to identify additional areas of need and extend further assistance to residents.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to reaching underserved and hard-to-reach communities across Nigeria with interventions that directly impact lives.
Receiving the items on behalf of the community, the Baale of Makoko, Baba Jeje, expressed appreciation to the My People First Foundation for coming directly into the riverine community to respond to the needs of the people.
The traditional leader noted that it was uncommon for organisations to cross the waterways and come into the heart of Makoko to identify and address the challenges confronting residents.
He commended Hajiya Aishat Oyiza and her team for their humanitarian work and prayed for God to continue to strengthen and bless them as they extend assistance to vulnerable communities across the country.
The Makoko intervention is part of the My People First Foundation’s broader humanitarian programme focused on serving humanity, empowering communities and saving lives, particularly among vulnerable people and communities that are often underserved.
