For Rotarian Mike Jaga, the outgoing President, Rotary Club of Lekki, Phase 1, District 9110, humanitarian work comes natural. It became more intense given his position in the club. And so, when his son informed him that his school, Jesuit Loyola College, Abuja, had drafted him and some of his co-students for an internship programme at the Friends of People with Disabilities {FOPWD} Vocational Centre, Ojo Oba in Lagos, it was a great opportunity for Rotarian Jaga to reach out to those in need.
As part of activities during his tenure and in fulfillment of this Rotary Year’s theme, Create Hope, the club led by the Club President, Mike Jaga, recently had an official launch of N6 million skills acquisition scheme for five disabled youths at the Friends of The Disabled (FOTD) Vocational Centre, Ojo Oba, in Lagos.
The Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1 led by Hope President Jaga had donated five sewing machines to Friends of The Disabled (FOTD) Vocational Centre to five beneficiaries for e three year vocational training and skill acquisition after which they would be given some starter packs to take off. The sewing machines are in addition to the other learning tools in the centre and are meant for the purpose of training of the physically challenged students in the centre
In his words during the launching ceremony, Hope President, Mike Jaga said “we are here to touch lives, to impact on lives because that is what Rotary Club is known for all over the world. Specifically today, we have come to ensure that people with disabilities can receive vocational training and acquire skills so that in future, they can stand on their own and be able to fend for themselves”
According to him, the gesture was made possible by collaboration with other clubs like Rotary Club of Belleville, Ontario Canada, GAV Foundation and expressed deep appreciation to them for their support within the course of period in view.
While speaking to the beneficiaries, he reiterated that the essence of the project launch was to ensure that knowledge is inclusive and impacted on people living with disabilities, too. “We believe that even in their condition, they are capable of doing things for themselves and can survive just like any other human being”
“In all of this too, we are giving back to the society and want to ensure that these disable people in this facility do not go back to the street to beg for alms. That is and the community is happy. This is our own contribution to community development and the society. The theme for this Rotary year is Create Hope so we are giving hope to the hopeless realizing that although, they may be challenged physically but the future is bright for them as they can fend for themselves and even, assist in empowering others within their immediate community”
Speaking at the event, Past President, Ifeoma Anieze Corona encouraged the inmates to focus on acquiring their desired skills and aspire to achieve their goals, despite their physical limitation as only self-actualization will enhance their lives as well as providing them with credible means of livelihood. She noted with joy heartwarming the thier determination to rise above adversity while engaging in their different choices of crafts.
She advised them to continue with such resilient spirit and urged them look forward to a bright future in spite of all odds. She also expressed satisfaction at their handiwork in various vocational skills and encouraged them not to go ever go seeking for alms in the street, no matter their condition or how hard times may be.
Mr. Vigil Anyanwu-Ndulewe, a Trustee of Friends of Disabled who expressed gratitude to the club members for their kindness and assistance to the centre, said that the items will go a long way in adding value to the lives of the students and promised that they would put the sewing machines to adequate use for the benefit of the students.
He however lamented on the dilapidated state of the centre and called on other good spirited Nigerians to assist them
Mr Barthlomew Ogbonna, an Administrator of the centre expressed his gratitude for the kind gesture and prayed for God’s continued guidance on their benefactors..
Friends of The Disabled (FOTD) Vocational Centre, Ojo Oba, Lagos, is a charity organization which focuses on providing economic and financial empowerment for the physically challenged through skill acquisition.
In another development, and as part of activities rounding off the year, Rotary Club of Lekki, Phase 1, District 9110, carted away three awards (1 individual and 2 group awards)
They won award for the club with the highest donation to the Polio Plus Fund of the Rotary Foundation in their district. The 4th best club in Service Projects in District 9110 for the Rotary year 2023 – 2024 while Charles Ameh, a member of the club, smiled home in recognition as the highest individual contributor to the Polio Plus Fund.
