In line with catering for the wellbeing of the disability community, Project Enable Africa, a non-governmental organisation known for providing digital empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) went into partnership with Ishk Tolarm Foundation to put food on the tables on those with disabilities in different parts of Lagos.
Founder of Project Enable, Mr. Olusola Owonikoko who spoke at the final batch of the food drive which held in Alimosho last Friday, in Lagos, said the “collaborations between corporate organisations and development outfits can better enhance the delivery of sustainable development solutions to the underserved communities, stating that business-NGO partnership will aid the co-creation of inclusive and sustainable development”
The food drive project, according to him has catered for families of those with disabilities in several parts of Lagos, reached out to residents in Alimosho on Friday, 7th of August, putting smiles on the faces of over hundred beneficiaries.
He said the beneficiaries comprise of Persons with Disabilities including those with visual impairment, hearing impairment, the physically challenged, albinos amongst others.
After receiving their food packs which contains sizeable kilograms of rice, beans and garri, and other items like pasta, vegetable oil, tomatoes paste, sanitizers, nose masks, COVID19 sensitization materials, and a transportation stipend, beneficiaries commended Project Enable Africa and Ishk Tolaram Foundation for the gesture.
Beneficiaries of the food drive project by Project Enable Africa in collaboration with Ishk Tolarm Foundation showed appreciation for the food palliative which according to them will go a long way in feeding their families.
A visually impaired beneficiary, Mr Tochukwu, who resides in Ikotun narrated that “though I cannot see the content of the food pack, by mere lifting it, I can tell that the package is exceptionally loaded, and this is a good idea, considering that many of us with disabilities have lost our means of livelihood to the present economic challenges.”
“On the other hand, those who rely on others for means of survival have become stranded, either because our dependants have lost their jobs or due to the reality that businesses haven’t been the since the pandemic started”
We understand that this is what government should do, but it has clearly shown that they have several limitations. The Project Enable approach is very commendable most especially the level of coordination”
Speaking to newsmen shortly after distributing the palliatives which held in Council Road, in Alimosho, Lanre Olagunju, the Head of communications for Project Enable Africa highlighted that the Food Drive has been successful due to the support from partners like Ishk Tolarm Foundation and volunteers.
“The Food Drive project commenced in April, where we engaged the door-to-door approach in reaching families of persons with disabilities during the lockdown. However, we were overwhelmed with several requests from different parts of Lagos and outside Lagos.
“The partnership with Ishk Tolaram Foundation has helped us to reach more of this request, and we have successfully reached out to over 900 families in various part of the state including Surulere, Amukoko, Olodi Apapa, Badagry, Baraiga, Festac town, Ikorodu, Oshodi amongst others, but today we are glad to be in Alimosho.”