The Walkiya Humanitarian Foundation has provided food relief to 500 women in Jikwoyi, Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising food prices on vulnerable households.
The outreach, held on Saturday, formed part of the foundation’s annual humanitarian intervention aimed at addressing food insecurity and supporting families struggling to meet basic nutritional needs amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Dominic Egwuda, said the initiative was targeted at individuals facing immediate hunger, with particular emphasis on women who often bear the primary responsibility of providing meals for their families.
He explained that the programme is implemented under the corporate social responsibility framework of the Walkiya Group of Companies through the Walkiya Humanitarian Foundation, and is fully funded by the group without government sponsorship.
Dr. Egwuda noted that beneficiaries were carefully selected through a transparent, card-based process that cut across religious, ethnic and social backgrounds, with eligibility determined solely by demonstrated need. He added that staff members and their relatives were excluded to ensure fairness and credibility.
He said women were prioritised because of their central role in household welfare, stressing that empowering women has far-reaching benefits for families and communities.
Dr. Egwuda disclosed that the exercise, which took about six months to plan, was initially designed to support 200 beneficiaries but was later expanded to 500. He estimated the total value of the intervention at between ₦4 million and ₦5 million.
He called on government to place greater emphasis on the welfare of the less privileged and to create an enabling environment that encourages private sector organisations to scale up investments in social responsibility initiatives.
Some beneficiaries described the gesture as timely and impactful. One of them, Mrs. Janet Kalu, said the food items would provide critical support for her household, particularly during the festive period when food prices are typically higher.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Amaka Emmanuel, expressed gratitude to the foundation, noting that the assistance would ease the daily burden of providing meals for her family. She also offered prayers for the donors, asking for divine reward and replenishment of their resources.
In a message to stakeholders, the foundation urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to address hunger and broader social welfare challenges, noting that sustained partnerships are essential to reducing hardship and improving the well-being of vulnerable communities.
