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By Ngozi Nwoke
•Executives of the club with Salu-Hundeyin
Fountain of Hope International recently held its 35th annual general conference. The event was themed “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The event took place in Bariga, Lagos, where the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who presented the governor’s opening speech.
She said: “I congratulate the leadership of the Fountain of Hope International for another successful conference. This gathering is a celebration of unity and faith and to show unwavering commitment to the transformative power of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. The holy book says iron sharpens iron. This is aptly demonstrated by this conference, which brings members together in fellowship and spiritual renewal, creating a platform where deliberation and decision will be taken for a better future.
“The Fountain of Hope International is a unique group and a beacon of light whose aim and desire is to educate men and women for the purpose of preaching and demonstrating the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in providing spiritual guidance and bringing people into the unified body of Christ.
“In this part of Lagos State, it is heartwarming to witness the coming together of a diverse community and non-denominational churches, which are the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian church, all finding common ground of spiritual growth and unity in the body of Christ.
“As an interdenominational organisation, the Fountain of Hope International has not only played their pivotal role in fostering spiritual unity and understanding among among its members, but it has been a beacon of hope in our community through a humanitarian effort.
“Your commitment to reaching out to the less privileged, irrespective of denominational differences reflects the true essence of Christianity, which emphasises love and compassion.
“In service to humanity, you embody the teaching of Christ and contribute to the well-being of our society.
“As a government, we are proud to be associated with the Fountain of Hope International in that many lives have been touched by their philanthropic gestures, education, and human empowerment. I, therefore, urge the organisers to use this conference to share spiritual growth while renewing your commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The governor disclosed that his administration had made a deliberate plan that focuses on traffic management, seamless transportation, technological advancements as well as ensuring that the life and property of the people were secure.
He added that his administration was committed to bringing significant change in the lives of Lagos people.
“My administration’s developmental agenda, which represents transportation and traffic management, affordable life and technological making Lagos a 21st century mega economy, entertainment, security and good governance.
“This administration is making an intentional focus on social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development. We are undaunted in our commitment to bring about significant aspects in the quality of life of our people through the implementation of our policies and programmes.
“In the spirit of Eko 23, may this conference strengthen the body of fellowship that exists among you and encourage a collective dedication to continue to make a positive impact on our society.
“I extend my deep appreciation to the leaders, members,and support group of the Fountain of Hope International for their tireless efforts in promoting unity, understanding, and service to humanity and carrying on the vision of the founding fathers of the organisation. It is my (hope) today that this conference shall continue to give the leades and members wisdom, blessings, and strength.”
The outgoing chairman of Fountain of Hope International, Bro. Hezekiah Okonkwo, noted that his tenure recorded human empowerment, capacity development and sustainability.
He said the incoming chairman would continue from where he stopped in terms of completing unfinished infrastructural projects.
Okonkwo stated: “Fountain of Hope International started in 1968 with one chapter in Ibadan called Number One NG in Oyo State. Today, it has grown to 141 chapters here in Nigeria and two in the United States of America. My tenure started in 2021.
“In Fountain of Hope International, from being a deputy chairman after the two years tenure, you automatically become the chairman of the association. And that was how I rose to the position as a chairman.
“We have a project in Ibadan. Today, we are in the final level of the project. We are building hostels and, when I came in, there were disagreements. But we were able to resolve the issue. We have also achieved the establishment of an additional six chapters.
“A big achievement we made was that the chiarman and the team agreed and worked together. However, he will be able to carry out the remaining part of the project. We combine our duties in the churches and welfare.”
In his reaction, the incoming chairman, Bro. Debo Atunwa, corroborated that his leadership shall see to it that success, growth and positive change become the pivotal agenda, while thanking the past administration and members for trusting in his competence.
Atunwa said his aim was “to uphold the constitution of the Fountain of Hope and also to ensure that the standards that have been created by the past administration are all held in high esteem.”
“Also, we have a hostel project, which we are developing in Ibadan and is also going to be a cardinal point in our agenda.
“Developing human capital and evangelism will be one of the cardinal points of this administration; our aims and objective are to strengthen and to propagate the gospel to all crannies of this country and it will interest you that Fountain of Hope will also move from Nigeria to the United States of America. By the grace of God, we will be in America in June to establish the third fountain of Hope International chapter in that country, apart from leadership training. We are training and retraining our leaders because when they are well trained, they will also impart positively on the society. As an organisation, we also cherish the sponsorship and training of our ministers of God.
“Welfare scheme for members will also be held in high esteem. We are all Christians but we also work in an environment and country of Nigeria. If we are able to take care of the welfare of members, then they will be able to hold us in high esteem. Every year, we make provision for the youths where they learn lots of skills. Every chapter is advised to have youths without financial commitments. The youth empowerment will also take a prominent position in our environment. We will continue from where the present chairman stopped and continue the project where my predecessor stopped.”
