•As UK church’s charity arm, Foundation empower Ogun women

By Tunde Oso

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG My Father’s House), Salford, United Kingdom, has embarked on humanitarian food outreach to widows and vulnerable women in Nigerian communities to empower the household level and directly contribute to family stability and community well-being.

The leadership of church, led by Pastors Sam and Sarah Okodoa, who were speaking to newsmen while donating food items in partnership with the Dolly Children Foundation to widows and vulnerable women in Magboro and Makogi communities, Ogun State, said, “The outreach, which forms part of a quarterly support initiative implemented consistently throughout the year, focused on widows and vulnerable women in Magboro and Makogi, many of whom lack family support and face daily economic hardship.

Sam and Sarah Okodoa said, “By empowering women at the household level, the initiative directly contributes to family stability and community well-being.”

For many widows, the intervention came as an unexpected and deeply emotional Christmas surprise, described as a miracle and an answer to long-unheard prayers. As the festive season approached, the timely support eased financial strain, restored dignity, and brought visible relief to households that had not anticipated any form of assistance.

Pastors Sam and Sarah Okodoa, reaffirmed the church’s “Commitment to humanitarian service that is inclusive and community-focused, noting that the outreach is open to all residents regardless of religious affiliation.”

According to the couple, “Compassion and dignity remain the guiding principles of the programme.”

Beneficiaries received essential food items including bags of rice, garri, noodles, cooking oil, and other household staples, thoughtfully packaged to meet immediate household needs. Throughout the distribution, the atmosphere reflected gratitude, renewed confidence, and a shared sense of humanity.

Representatives of His Pillars and Project Cornelius explained that the initiative is anchored on the belief that when women are supported, entire households are settled and strengthened. They emphasised that widows, in particular, require consistent intervention, as many navigate life without extended family care or support systems.

Speaking during the outreach while engaging closely with the widows, Mrs. Adedolapo Osuntuyi, Founder of the Dolly Children Foundation, described the initiative “As a sustained way of life rather than a one-off gesture. She noted that witnessing tears of relief among the beneficiaries reinforced the need for consistent presence and long-term partnerships.”

“What we are doing here is not charity as an event; it is compassion as a lifestyle.

“When you look into the eyes of widows who have no family support and see their tears turn into smiles, you are reminded that consistency matters. At the Dolly Children Foundation, we are committed to standing in the gap through partnerships like this, so that no woman feels forgotten and no household is left without hope,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anthony, described the outreach as an unprecedented intervention in her life: “This support came as a miracle to me. I never expected this, especially at this time. RCCG My Father’s House, Salford, His Pillars, and Project Cornelius have lifted a heavy burden from my home. I am grateful for all the food items. May God bless and watch over everyone who made this possible.”

Community members observed that beyond the food support, the outreach restored a sense of belonging, emotional reassurance, and dignity among widows and women who are often overlooked.

The organisers confirmed plans to sustain and expand the quarterly outreach, reaching more communities as part of a broader commitment to empowering women, stabilising households, and improving community welfare across Ogun State and beyond.