Rotary Club Urges Collective Action to Alleviate Economic Hardship in Nigeria
By Admin, November 4
The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden has called on Nigerians to actively support government initiatives aimed at assisting the vulnerable, emphasizing that collective action is essential to ease the current economic hardship across the country.
The call was made by the club’s President, Mrs. Christiana Okenla, during a combined Community Economic Development and “Pack to School” outreach held in their adopted community, Ikota, Lagos.
Mrs. Okenla stressed that the government cannot meet all citizens’ needs alone, highlighting the critical role individuals, groups, and organizations must play.
“The Rotary Club launched the economic development initiative to complement government efforts in mitigating the impact of current economic challenges on vulnerable communities, There is a need for every privileged and well-meaning citizen to join hands with the government in reaching out to the downtrodden around them. It will help reduce the rising rate of crime in the country.” Mrs. Okenla explained
She also emphasized the profound importance of education, describing it as the bedrock of any thriving society.
She encouraged beneficiaries, particularly the children, to take their education seriously so they can contribute positively to society in the future.
The outreach provided substantial relief and educational support to the Ikota community:
Economic Empowerment: Eight widows each received ₦50,000 to support and expand their small businesses.
Educational Support: Over 250 school bags, 1,000 exercise books, and thousands of other educational materials (including mathematical sets and water bottles) were distributed to students under the “Pack to School” Project.
The beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the intervention.
Chinwendu Eze, a widow and small restaurant owner, shared: “I’ve been a widow for eight months, with three children. This support will go a long way in helping my business. God bless Rotary Club of Lekki Golden.”
Another widow, who has been raising four children for five years, noted: “With this money, I can expand my bottled water business to include soft drinks. May God continue to bless the Rotary Club.”
Emmanuella Akpan, a student preparing for her Senior WAEC exams, said: “I’m so happy to receive a school bag, mathematical set, and exercise books. This is a big help for me. Thank you, Rotary Club of Lekki Golden.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Benedet Daraba, Second Vice Chairman of the Ikota Development Association, commended the Rotary Club for the “impactful” gesture and urged other well-placed individuals to emulate their humanitarian efforts.
Concluding her address, Mrs. Okenla reiterated the club’s goal: to “bring joy to the less privileged and underserved—both young and old.”
She advised the children to remain focused despite challenges, encouraging them to create impact.
“Whether you are born with or without a golden spoon, make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to build our communities and put smiles on the faces of the less privileged.” She reiterated.
