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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Succour came the way of some widows and indigent youths recently in Lagos as The Katalog Charity Foundation equipped and empowered them with business startup kits, rent, food, cash, businesses and furnished apartments for them.
Mrs. Lillian Egonu was given N250,000, while four others were given N100,000 because of the type of petty business they were engaged in. Some were selling roasted corn at the roadside and other petty things, but Mrs. Egonu sold clothes and the business was more capital-intensive.
The promoters said the organization was aimed at improving the standard of living of the indigent by tackling poverty and ushering them into a sustainable growth trajectory.
Convener of the initiative, Vivian Akaenyi, said without a doubt that many people in Nigeria were living in extreme poverty and that suggested that there was urgent need to save the people from economic woes.
She said: “I visited the trenches such as Ijora Badia and what I saw brought tears to my eyes. The condition of living for most widows is pathetic. The environment and even the house they stay in is not safe.
“I became compassionate seeing them suffer. I had to raise money to pay two years’ rent and furnished the apartment for five of them.
“This was urgent so I had to attend to it. Others that we found in the trenches, we have unveiled the plan to tackle and settle them as well.
“In this part of the world, once a woman becomes a widow, they claim her property and she is thrown into the street. One of many ways that the government and organisations can contribute their quota is by lending a hand of help to the poor and indigent in society.”
She said, nine years ago, she decided to became a voice for the voiceless, especially orphans, widows and the indigent living in extreme poverty.
“I usually go to the trenches with my brother and I get emotional each time I have encounters with this set of persons. Though I make donations from my personal earnings, I realized a year ago that I needed to collaborate due to the enormous work at hand.
“The shocking discovery is that the majority of them cannot afford basic shelter long after their husbands have died. They live in very poor environments, some stay at the back of a container or makeshift hut as home. Their children are in very bad condition, crying, no child should be left to go to sleep without food,” she said.
Explaining the objective and core area of the foundation’s focus, Akaenyi said that they will explore thematic areas like education, empowerment, healthcare, enlightenment and advocacy just to give them hope.
She lamented that with poverty being a major obstacle to accessing education, health care and vocational skills in Nigeria, the foundation was inspired with the mission of building bridges and advancing inclusion for orphans, underprivileged widows and children regardless of their political, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Akaenyi said she has created a system mechanism to responsibly use resources towards supporting humanity. Although she wanted something to immortalize her father’s memory because he left a legacy of love and compassion.
She further said: “Over the years, our foundation has expanded its services to include healthcare, education and job training programmes with the goal of empowering individuals and families to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. We work closely with local communities, businesses, and organizations to identify the most pressing needs and develop tailored solutions that make a real difference.
“Our foundation is driven by the belief that together, we can make a real difference in the world. We invite you to join us on this journey and be a part of something truly meaningful. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
“Five youths have been empowered with start up P.O.S with the sum of N100,000 each to create a brighter future for them. Apart from providing and empowering the widows to improve their socio-economic status and general well-being, they would have an equal opportunity in the society.”
To this end, she promised to follow up on the progress of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
In line with its vision to address the social and economic challenges in our society, co-founder of the foundation, Anthony Abakporo, said it was part of their mandate to tackle societal ills, in order to support youths.
Abakporo added that the increasing percentage of young people in Nigeria, and the high number of underprivileged youths who desire a better life but often resort to social vices due to poverty and lack of education, requires that “we invest in improving standards of living. A feat which can no longer be left for government alone.
“It is our hope that the impact made would help these young people, who have received help and have become self-reliant. They would be confident enough in their own ability to take calculated risks necessary to succeed, and subsequently become independent when they achieve success.
“Also, our work in helping families break the cycle of poverty is good. Through our job training and education programmes, we have helped countless individuals acquire the skills and knowledge they need to secure stable employment and provide for their families. And through our healthcare initiatives, we have helped improve the health and well-being of thousands of people, providing access to vital medical care and resources.
“We believe that every person has the potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to helping them realize that potential. Whether it’s through providing basic needs or offering more comprehensive support, we are dedicated to helping people overcome their challenges and build better lives for themselves and their families.”
The event featured a fundraiser for support from family, friends and well-wishers that are committed to supporting beneficiaries as a way of securing their future.
