Amuwo-Odofin played host to the gathering of The Rotary Club of Lagos West, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
The gathering saw an empowerment of indigent residents of the community as the club donated four grinding machines, and two sewing machines and among these beneficiaries was a widow.
The donation was done as part of its economic empowerment scheme for them to create a source of income that can cater for their needs and families. These items were formally presented to the beneficiaries during the official visit of the District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Ifeyinwa Ejezie to the club
One of the beneficiaries, a widow, Mrs. Rashidat Agunbiade, said it was a joyous moment for her. A professional tailor, she had been struggling to acquire a sewing machine after apprenticeship. Now, her dream has come true, as she was gifted a brand new sewing machine to start her fashion and design business.
Also, Olanike Babalola, who was given a sewing machine, said it would boost her business. The ones she had had been giving her problems: “If you come to my shop, you will understand exactly my plight and how grateful I am receiving this gift.”
Another beneficiary who was given a grinding machine, Mrs. Amaka Nwachukwu, was full of joy. She sang, danced, thanked God and her benefactors for rekindling her hope, providing means to feed her children and a means to pay their school fees.
Mr. Joseph Tim was part of the four underprivileged people who were given grinding machines. Mr. Kayode Ogunleye and Mrs. Mary Solomon equally benefited from the club’s gesture that evening. The beneficiaries stated that the gesture was an inroad to a better life and a future that looks brighter than they ever imagined considering the economic hardship at the moment.
The DG who was accompanied on the visit by members of her team applauded the club for continuously touching lives in the community.
She however charged the beneficiaries to ensure the tools are effectively used to serve the purpose they are given and to ensure they are sustained, while admonishing them to also spread the good deeds of the club wherever they go.
Addressing the beneficiaries shortly after handing over the items to them, the District Governor (DG) of Rotary International District 9110, covering all the Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun states, Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie, congratulated the beneficiaries on being among those that received the club’s philanthropy.
She explained that the empowerment scheme was aimed at giving them the privilege to have an earning ability.
Ejezie, who was on an official visit to the club, stressed the need to impact more lives, especially now that the economy was dwindling, following the decision of the government to remove fuel subsidy and and float the dollar exchange rate.
She appealed to the government to roll out palliatives that could cushion the harsh effects of their policies affecting the poor masses. She lamented that the suffering was much on indigent Nigerians.
She said: “I am expected to visit all the clubs under my jurisdiction.
“One of the core objectives of Rotary is to give a helping hand to the needy and the less privileged. Rotary is committed to serve humanity and reach out to the needy.
“This evening, we have come together to give the little we can. We believe that the little we have given to the beneficiaries will go a long way to impact on their lives, their children and the people around them. We are not giving them for their own benefit alone, but for the people around them.”
Ejezie disclosed that the mission area of Rotary Club International was to provide service to others, promote integrity, advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
The president of the club, Omolara Akinsanya, said Rotary was concerned over the plight of indigent Nigerians and “we are committed to finding ways of alleviating poverty and hunger in the land, which is in line with humanitarian services.”
Akinsanya added:”We want the beneficiaries to see what we are giving today as a fruit that will expand and benefit others. I pray that God will make this donations fruitful and impactful to many others.”