The Prophet Agbana Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation, has said it is important for genuine charity to look beyond religious and ethics sentiments to promote peace and societal harmony in the country.
Speaking at the foundation’s distribution of food items in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Chief Bolanle Akande, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, charged Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of togetherness and unity demonstrated in the past.
According to her, the foundation is a continuation of the selfless humanitarian activities of her late father; Prophet Agbana, who never discriminated among Christians and Muslims or any religion.
She said the import of such action on the present situation in the country has sustained the unifying legacies of the deceased to foster peace and religious harmony.
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“That is why we have dedicated our activities to God and to the care and upliftment of widows and orphans in Nigeria irrespective of their religious inclination as practiced by late Prophet Agbana.
Speaking also, Mrs Folashade Aransiola, consultant for the foundation, explained that they have extended training and financial support to many of the beneficiaries to help grow their vacations into business that can cater for them and their family needs.
She said charity organizations should beware of “professional widows”, who have turned their situation to an avenue to live off charity organizations.
“The foundation has empowered 88 beneficiaries with vocational training in addition to finances ranging from N20,000 – N50,000 to help them start their businesses.
“Some were trained in soap and Vaseline making, garri processing and shea butter production among others. We have built houses for some of them and are also training the children of those who are deceased in various secondary schools and universities”, she added.
In their different reactions, Mrs Iyabo Garba, one of the widows and a fish seller, said Agbana foundation had changed her perception about charity organizations in the country adding that she was given financial support and monitored to ensure she succeeded.
On her part, Mrs Jummy Bulus, a widow, said, “It was beyond imagination to learn that a foundation will build houses for homeless widows and sponsor some of their children in schools’.
Food items distributed include rice and groundnut oil to the beneficiaries among others.
