A not-for-profit organisation, Habeeb Okunola Foundation, has stressed the need for Nigerians to use the Christmas season in showing compassion, saying it is a time to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.

The foundation stated this while flagging off its annual Christmas outreach programme themed: ‘Spreading Love and Happiness,’ an initiative aimed to uplift underprivileged families by distributing essential groceries that include rice, oil, chicken and wheat along with monetary gifts to thousands across Nigeria.

Founder of the foundation, Chief Habeeb Okunola, also said the Christmas season was a time to spread joy, insisting that there were many Nigerians in need which gave rise to the initiative.

Okunola said: “Christmas is a season of giving, and our mission is to bring joy and relief to those who need it most. It’s about ensuring that no family feels left out during the festive period, and we are deeply committed to spreading love and happiness across our nation.”

On her part, a community leader in Abababubu, Ondo State, Mrs Adebimpe Adekunle, who praised the foundation’s efforts, said: “This initiative has not only addressed physical needs but has also reignited hope and brought smiles to countless homes.” For families like that of Mrs. Elizabeth Oladipo, a widow and mother of three, the support meant more than just food on the table. “This gesture has restored my faith in humanity. My children will now have a Christmas to remember.”

Meanwhile, the outreach covered various communities, ensuring that families facing economic challenges could experience the joy and warmth of the festive season. From bustling urban centres to remote villages, the foundation’s teams worked tirelessly to deliver relief packages directly to those in need.

Special attention was given to widows, elderly citizens, and economically disadvantaged families, with each receiving a package to provide a great meal experience through the festive period into the new year. For many families, the groceries and financial aid provided much-needed assistance to gather around a festive table with loved ones, despite the economic challenges that the year may have presented.