By Doris Obinna
The people of Umu-Ozo Ikeakpa, Evuazu in Obeleagu Umana community and neighbours will have a good deal this Easter as Adani Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation set up to uplift the less privileged in the society, would hold a medical and humanitarian outreach for their benefit.
Scheduled to hold on April 21 and April 22 at Chief Aloysuis Chijioke Ani compound, the programme is a comprehensive medical and humanitarian service outreach that would focus on medical treatment, wellness workshops, skill acquisation training, raw rice distribution, and serving of nutritious meals to the community members.
Speaking on the programme, Mrs. Josephine Nneka Jemie, founder & president of
Adani Care Foundation, said the organization, in the programme, would step up its impact by introducing vocational training for youths, among others.
She also spoke on what Adani Care Foundation has done in humanitarian service since inception in 2021, challenges and expectations in the future.
Could you tell us your driving force in founding Adani Care Foundation?
My passion lies in serving the underprivileged in Southern Nigeria—widows, orphans, the sick, and the elderly. For me, it’s about ensuring that these underprivileged ones in our rural societies do not have to choose between buying food or buying medicine when they are sick. Through Adani Care, we raise awareness and provide direct support to these vulnerable groups.
What is the philosophy behind Adani Care Foundation as well as its aims and objectives?
The philosophy behind Adani Care Foundation is rooted in the belief that no one should die from preventable conditions simply because they lack access to basic medical care. Our aim is to provide essential services—like medical screenings, clean drinking water, and vocational training—so that underprivileged individuals can thrive. We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy, dignified life.
Could you tell us what the Foundation has been able to do since its inception?
Since the inception of Adani Care Foundation, we have achieved significant milestones thanks to our incredible donors, supporters, and volunteers from around the world. We have provided over 1,300 hot meals to those in need, screened and treated 430 patients, and engaged over 150 volunteers. Additionally, we’ve distributed more than 100 bags of 50kg rice to families, ensuring they have some of the sustenance they need.
We understand that you are organizing a medical and humanitarian service outreach this Easter season. Kindly tell us about it.
This April, right after Easter, from the 21st to the 22nd of April, Adani Care Foundation is organizing a comprehensive medical and humanitarian service outreach. Alongside our incredible team of supporters, we will provide medical outreach, wellness workshops, raw rice distribution, and serve nutritious meals to the community.
Our goal is not just to address immediate needs but also to ensure follow-up care for those requiring ongoing medical attention beyond the Event. This time, we are stepping up our impact by introducing vocational training for youths.
We will have training and apprenticeship programmes in car mechanics, electrical wiring, bricklaying, plumbing, hairdressing, cooking, baking and catering. These opportunities will equip young people with practical, marketable skills, helping them build sustainable livelihoods and thrive.
How do you get funding for your programmes?
Our funding primarily comes from the generous support of our friends, church, and communities both in the U.S. and Nigeria. Each time we reach out, the response is incredible. However, as we expand into providing essentials like electrification for study, and clean drinking water, we recognize the need for even greater support. We invite corporations, businesses, anneighborsurs to join us in making these essential projects a reality, ensuring that these young people have the tools they need to thrive.
Has there been any partnership with the government, or are you adverse to working with the government?
We are absolutely open to partnerships with the government at all levels. We believe that involving government officials can significantly expand our reach and impact. We have invited the Governor of Enugu State and the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government to witness our work firsthand.
Our aim is to demonstrate the serious impact we’re making in the community and explore how the government can collaborate with us. Such partnerships can be instrumental in providing the support and resources needed to tackle larger issues like electrification and clean water. We welcome any opportunity to collaborate with government bodies for the greater good..
What are the challenges you have faced or you are still facing?
One of the primary challenges we face is raising enough funding to meet the overwhelming demand for our services. As more people become aware of our efforts, we see a significant increase in registration from youths, the elderly, the sick, orphans, and widows. The demand for our support far exceeds the resources we currently have. This is why we continually call on businesses, companies, and corporations to join hands with us.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our donors and volunteers who have made everything possible so far. I also want to say to our current and potential donors that support isn’t just about cash donations. We need supplies, food items, and partnerships with vocational skills providers. Contributions can come in many forms, and every bit of help counts. Whether it’s providing resources, volunteering, or collaborating on vocational training, all forms of support are invaluable.
At a time when there is widespread hunger in the land, what advice would you give government on how to mitigate the situation?
My advice to the government is to focus on empowering local communities in remote parts of Nigeria. Many underprivileged individuals have the capacity and willingness to farm, but they lack the necessary resources and security to do so effectively. The government can mitigate hunger by supporting agricultural initiatives, providing safe and secure farming opportunities, and ensuring that essential infrastructure, like clean drinking water and healthcare facilities are accessible.
Building functional healthcare centres staffed with professionals on a consistent basis would drastically reduce preventable deaths. Government involvement in these areas can create long-term, sustainable solutions rather than just temporary relief.
Women and children are always the worst hit during economic hardship. What would you recommend as government’s policy towards self-reliance of the vulnerable?
My recommendation to the government is to prioritize support for widows in rural areas. Many of them face enormous challenges, from the inability to farm due to security concerns to the struggle of caring for their children. Providing targeted assistance to widows and ensuring access to basic resources like food, healthcare, and education for their children can break the cycle of poverty. By empowering women and supporting their self-reliance, the government can create a ripple effect that uplifts entire families and communities.
What is your projection for Adani Care Foundation in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision Adani Care Foundation expanding our reach to serve at least two additional communities. Our goals include installing boreholes for clean drinking water, implementing solar energy for electrification, and training a significant number of youths in vocational skills. By doing this, we aim to create sustainable change, empower communities, and inspire others to join our mission.
What advice would you give women and youths of Nigeria?
To the youth of Nigeria, I encourage you to explore vocational training and skill acquisition. While education is vital, practical skills can open doors and create opportunities for self-reliance. Don’t wait for only formal employment—be proactive in acquiring skills that can help you build a sustainable future.
To the women, especially those in challenging situations, remember that empowerment begins with you. Seek opportunities for self-development, and by doing so, you not only uplift yourself but also your family and community. <This message was edited>