Editor
GivingNG is an initiative of the Sterling One Foundation focused on enabling long-term positive change — helping people grow more food, lead healthy, productive lives while putting an end to poverty. Few weeks ago, the first phase of this initiative kicked off and a campaign was launched to raise funds to feed families in an IDP Camp. The funds were raised online through the www.giving.ng website and offline at the Sterling Eat Drink Festival where participants at the festival dropped wristbands and donated leftover funds to the cause.
Following the success of the campaign, GivingNG has gone ahead to fulfil their commitment to feeding displaced families in Nasarawa. The mission saw them embark on a journey from their station in Lagos to Abuja, then to the KutaraTataradna IDP Camp, Nasarawa State. After listening to the residents and sharing words of encouragement with them, the team distributed gift boxes containing food and other items to the families in the camp. The initiative also received commendations and support from dignitaries and institutions who were present.
Without further ado, these are some of the major highlights from the outreach.
The Gift Boxes
The gift boxes were filled with items like Noodles, Pasta, Semovita, Milk, drinks supplied by 7Up Bottling company, etc. They were packed and sealed by members of the GivingNG team in Abuja and loaded onto trucks and buses for the onward journey to Nasarawa.
The Journey
The KutaraTataradna IDP Camp is in Karu Local Government, about 90 mins away from the Abuja city center. After we exited the express, the rest of the journey to the camp was on a rough dusty road that cut through sugar-cane, beans and some other farms.
The Camp
Established in 2015 to cater for those displaced by terrorism, the camp had a population in excess of 800 people. The inhabitants were displaced from Borno and Adamawa states. There is a primary school within the camp, a church and a dispensary run by a gentleman without formal medical training.
Welcome ceremony
We were welcomed with local music played by residents of the camp. The melodious tunes had us playing and dancing along with them.
Convener’s Opening Remarks
While giving her opening remarks, Mrs Peju Ibekwe, Head of GivingNG encouraged the residents of the IDP camp to be of good cheer. She reiterated that GivingNG is dedicated to building local and international partnerships to create lasting social impact, reduce poverty and create a better world. She also implored the stakeholders and dignitaries present to support other causes that are in the works.
Sterling Bank Statement
Speaking on behalf of the MD/CEO of Sterling Bank who were part-sponsors of the outreach, Mr Nelson Ozuem confirmed the bank’s commitment to investing in communities, encouraging talent, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting economic growth.
Hon. Gaza Gbefwi
Hon. Gaza Gbefwi is the house of representatives member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency. He graced the occasion with his wife, and in his remarks, he welcomed #GivingNG and highlighted some of the initiatives the constituency has planned for the IDP Camp.
First Lady of Nasarawa State
Her Excellency, HajiyaSilifat A. Sule, First Lady of Nasarawa State was present at the event. She pledged her continuous support to the IDP Camp. She also committed to collaborating with #GivingNG in the future.
Other Speeches
The local government chairman, the House of Assembly Member and the Chairman of the IDP camp all gave speeches thanking #GivingNG for coming to the aid of their people.
Presentation of Items
The first lady of Nasarawa State joined Mrs Peju Ibekwe to officially handover the gift boxes to the residents of the IDP camp. The wife of the House of Reps Member, Mrs. Gbefwi also helped clothe the kids while Ella’s Food Bank distributed gift items to the children in the camp.
Joy
Despite their conditions, the joy and excitement on the faces of the camp residents was quite infectious. A big shoutout to #GivingNG and their partners for bringing joy and laughter to the faces of the people – young, old and families – in the IDP camp.
See some pictures from the outreach.
