Alumni Launches Food Bank To Support The Needy

The Federal Government College Kaduna Old Students Association
(FGCKADOSA), Abuja chapter, has launched a food bank initiative dedicated to supporting the needy.

The food bank aims to combat food insecurity and provide essential nourishment to individuals and families facing hardships.

The food items distributed during the official flag off of the programme in Abuja over the weekend included bags of rice, beans, chicken, oil, noodles, and bags of garri, among others.

Hon. Bola Abduroshakin, chairman of the chapter, who unveiled the initiative, stated that the programme is designed to assist less privileged alumni.

He noted that the plan is to make this a periodic program that would bring relief and comfort to the alumni community.

“When you hear ‘food bank,’ it means food is being stored for those who need it for consumption. We’ve raised funds from our partners in the alumni community in Abuja, and we are using those resources to meet the needs of members who are struggling to put food on their tables.

“Currently, I am also facing difficulties, so I can only imagine what fellow members who are out of jobs or facing business challenges, school fees, and other financial burdens are experiencing. This initiative aims to provide relief and comfort to these individuals within our alumni network. This is just the beginning, and we plan to continue this effort periodically.”

He urged leaders and associations to adopt similar initiatives to support their members, families, neighbors, and community leaders.

“They should take a leaf from this program and see how we can help one another, rather than placing the entire burden on the government. Let’s find ways to support ourselves.”

In addition to food items, over 100 alumni are benefiting from free health insurance through Reliance Health Care Insurance.

“They can choose hospitals anywhere in the country, fully covered and paid for one full year, with the possibility of renewal by the association. We have not conducted any fundraising; rather, we have utilized funds from our dues and other small levies. You’d be surprised that it’s not even a three-figure amount, yet we have managed to put food on the tables of over 100 members,” he added.

Former FCCK president Engineer Gazali Tukur also spoke, emphasizing that the association created this platform to assist less privileged alumni. He highlighted that the current leadership’s initiatives, including hospital arrangements for those who cannot afford medical care, surpass what was available in the past.

“This newly launched program, which will continue, aims to feed less privileged old students in need. It is a product of the current leadership and reflects modern, creative approaches to the challenges we face. This kind of leadership is essential for our country,” he stated.