For the umpteenth time on a monthly basis, in about 10 years, hundreds of indigent Christian and Muslim faithfuls across various strata of Ikorodu Division have received food palliatives from the iCare Food Bank.
The food bank initiative, sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Defense, Rep Babajimi Benson supports indigent residents with foodstuffs on a monthly basis, as a way of bringing succour to vulnerable people and families.
Hundreds of beneficiaries on Saturday, 14th March again received the much-needed food support from the federal lawmaker.
The food distribution exercise, which took place at the lawmaker’s Constituency office, attracted a large number of beneficiaries, particularly elderly residents, widows, people living with disabilities and low-income households who turned out early to participate in the initiative aimed at easing economic hardship in the constituency.
To ensure a smooth process, beneficiaries first went through an accreditation exercise, where they were issued cards before proceeding to designated points where volunteers attended to them and distributed food packages. The organised system helped maintain order as hundreds of residents waited patiently to receive their items.
The Apo Anu initiative was introduced by Benson in 2016 as part of his community support programme for the less-privileged.
Over the years, it has become one of the key humanitarian interventions in the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, targeting vulnerable families who struggle to meet their daily food needs.
The lawmaker has consistently expanded the initiative which has over the years distributed food supplies to over thousands of households since inception in 2016, reinforcing his commitment to social welfare within the constituency.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the much-needed support, describing it as a timely intervention amid rising living costs.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Grace, praised the lawmaker for sustaining the initiative over the years. She encouraged him to continue the programme and offered prayers for God’s blessings upon him for supporting the less privileged.
Another beneficiary, Anjorin Damilola, noted that it was not her first time benefiting from the lawmaker’s food palliative.
She said the initiative has been a consistent source of support for many households in the community and also prayed for continued blessings for the lawmaker.
Residents say initiatives like Apo Anu have become a vital support system for many struggling families in Ikorodu, especially during periods of economic challenges.
Similarly, a former Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Nurudeen Saka Solaja, Ikorodu Division APC Women Leader, Mrs. Wonuola and a former Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Basanya all commended the federal lawmaker for his unusual benevolence.
Community members expressed hope that such programmes will continue to expand and reach even more households in the future.
Earlier, Rep Benson in his usual characteristic manner was seen fraternizing with many of the beneficiaries who were visible elated to see and attract with the amiable lawmaker at such close range.
