The Atawa-Akpodiete Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has carried out a community empowerment initiative to communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The outreach programme featured the presentation of cash gift support to vulnerable men, women, and youths, as well as customized aprons to market women and learning materials to school pupils across Ughelli North and South.
The communities the foundation visited were,Okparabe, Iwhre-Okpe, and Olota in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking during the exercise, the founder, Olorogun Alexander Akpodiete, said the initiative was part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to giving back to society and supporting grassroots communities amid the current economic challenges.
According to him, “The cash support was designed to cushion the effects of the harsh economic situation facing many households, while the educational materials were intended to encourage learning among school children.
“This is simply our way of giving back to the community. We have been carrying out empowerment programmes for years, even before the formal establishment of the foundation.
“Our goal is to reach people directly, especially widows, women, and other vulnerable groups who may not benefit from larger interventions,” he said.
Professor Akpodiete emphasised that the initiative was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
“There is no ulterior motive, this is strictly a foundation-driven effort and we are committed to doing our part to support communities and improve lives.”
“We have been doing this before now, if you can recall, some years ago when the heavy flood ravaged coastal communities, the foundation supported with clothing, food items and other valuables.”
He also disclosed that his future programmes, is a support for persons with disabilities.
Beneficiaries across the communities expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
A community leader, Chief John Esinakifi, who commended the foundation for its generosity, assured that that the items will be judiciously used and particularly the exercise books for children would go a long way in supporting residents.
“We are very happy with what has been done for us today. We pray that God will bless and protect him and grant him success in all his endeavours.
Similarly, one of the leaders of Iwhre-Okpe Community, Daniel, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people, stating that the intervention would positively impact both education and livelihoods in the area.
Some of the beneficiaries, including women and school children, also expressed joy, offering prayers for the foundation and its leadership.
The Atawa-Akpodiete Foundation noted that the empowerment programme was made possible through the collective efforts of its team and partners, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining community-focused interventions across Delta State.
