In an interview with IkejaBird, a single mum of six opened up about her inspiring mission to spread joy and nourishment to children in Akute.
After enduring hard times as a single mother of six, she turned her difficulties into an inspiring movement to help underprivileged children.
We had to attend church events for food
“When my husband left me with six children all by myself, my children struggled to eat and have a place to call home,” She said.
During that period of poverty and hunger, she often relied on church events where they could get a decent meal. “We would attend because they would share food, and we packed as much as possible so we could have enough to eat.
I just wanted to put smiles on children’s faces
But her own children’s experiences with hunger made her want to help other children. “My driving force was to put a smile on children’s faces who have not eaten,” she says. With the help of her six children and community supporters, she hosted an outreach event in Akute to feed and provide gifts to kids in need.
The process is a family affair filled with love. “My children played a huge part. I would say it is more of a family thing,” she explains. Together, they source food supplies and solicit donations of essential items like clothes, books, bags, and more. They rent a large hall and enlist volunteers to cook hot, nourishing meals for the events.
We fed over 150 children and gave them different gifts
Over 150 underprivileged children were fed by this inspiring woman and her children. “We gave them clothes, books, bags and food with many other things,” the mother beams. “The children ate well and I was filled with so much joy.”
For her, the most rewarding aspect is “putting a smile on their faces – it was a priceless moment.” Her own children are always there to ensure it’s a success. “With their busy schedules, they were on the ground taking care of these children like their own. They wanted to do it themselves and that brought me more joy.”
My children helped me a lot with funding and arrangement
Putting together these outreach events is a big task, but she said the huge support she received made it possible. “The money came from some people who wanted to help, but most of it was from my children supporting what I’m doing.”
After seeing the great impact so far, they now have big dreams to expand in the future. She says with emphasis, “We plan to do more outreach events all over Nigeria. Akute was only the start. We want to feed even more children. It can only get bigger and better from here.”
Above all, this resilient mother hopes her efforts inspire others to take similar initiative. “Don’t forget where you came from,” she advises. “We are always complaining about the country’s economy but let’s rise up and do something about it. Go and do your part as a good person. It is the best feeling you can ever dream of.”
When asked about her next plan, she plans to go all out and do more with many projects in planning.
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