Ecstasy, as Ibadan children shop for free

NO fewer than 500 children were thrown into a frenzy mood at a “shop for free” event that took place at the Ring Road Palms Mall, Ibadan.

The event which was organised on Sunday, October 15, by the Help Initiative in conjunction with SAF foundation, was tagged as the Charity and Empowerment day Celebration.

The programme, according to organisers, was not only carried out to cater for the needs of the children that were drawn from various orphanage homes, but also to empower some women in Ibadan.

In her opening remark, the Director, Help Initiative, Mrs Febisola Okonkwo, expresses her utmost gratitude to Almighty God for making the day a reality and to their sponsors like Martha’s Kitchen, MTN Nigeria, Summal, Sweetco, Zartech Foods, Darkhorse photography and other individuals and corporate bodies that have in one way or the other contributed goods and food items for distribution at the event.

Mrs Febisola said the event is a synergy to ensure sustainability and development in alliance with the United Nation’s Developmental Goals; Poverty alleviation, Zero hunger, Good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and Quality education.

“This event is basically a community program that aims at taking from wealthy and influential people in the community and from corporate orgnisations to give back to the less privilege, so as to banish hunger and alleviate poverty in our society”

Speaking at the event, Dr Anthonia Aniagu advised the children to imbibe the act of cleanliness, she encouraged that it is necessary to brush one’s teeth twice a day in order to free the mouth from all forms of germ. She further admonished and educates the women about breast cancer and the need to go for breast and cervical cancer checkup from time to time.

The children who after eating and drinking at the event had the opportunity of shopping and going home with not less than five items each expresses their happiness by performing dancing show to entertain the people at the event.

Mrs, Olasunkanmi who is one of the beneficiaries also expresses her happiness and gratitude to help initiative and SAF Foundation for their help so far on her and her family. “I was a poor widow selling pure water for living before Help Initiative came to my aid and made me undergo training and they did not only paid for my training but also provided me with tools to practise the profession I learnt and today, I’m glad for their impact in my life” she said.

Also present at the event were the representatives from the Oyo State, Ministry of Women Affairs, children and representatives from Total Parental Guidance Orphanage Home, Tabitha Home, Ken’s Home, Heritage Home and Jesus Children mission.