By Prisca Sam-Duru

In a robust display of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) this festive season, betting platform 22Bet Nigeria, in partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, successfully distributed 200 food boxes to vulnerable residents in the Ebute-Metta area of Lagos State on Friday.

The Christmas outreach initiative was designed to bring relief and holiday cheer to those struggling with the current economic climate, reaffirming 22Bet’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities.

Country Director of 22Bet Nigeria, Mr. Fikayo Ogunfuye, highlighted that the initiative was conceived to “give back to the Lagos community, which has supported the company’s growth over the past five years.”

The collaboration selected over 200 beneficiaries, including widows, widowers, retirees, and low-income earners.

“We know the economy has been really hard, and many people may not have much to celebrate this season. So, we thought this would enrich lives and make people happy as the year ends,” Ogunfuye stated.

He revealed that each food box, valued at over N200,000, contained essential cereals and other stable food items suitable for sustaining families. Ogunfuye noted that Ebute-Metta was chosen after assessments showed a high concentration of vulnerable groups, and promised plans to scale up the outreach significantly in the future, aiming for 1,000 to 5,000 boxes next time.

On his part, the Executive Director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola, lauded the robust partnership, noting that 22Bet used the Food Bank “as a vehicle to actualize its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives and reach out to hundreds of families here.”

Dr. Sunbola stressed the critical importance of such relief in the current climate, where households are battling rising food prices and declining purchasing power.

He noted that the items provided were premium and capable of sustaining an average family of five for at least two weeks, explaining that beneficiaries were pre-registered and issued cards, ensuring an orderly and dignified distribution process.

Sunbola then called on more corporate organisations to emulate the initiative, stressing that this is the least businesses can do to bring relief to vulnerable societies facing worsening hardship, as “Poverty breeds hunger.” The Lagos Food Bank he disclosed, is currently active in about 170 communities across the state.

The gesture was met with profound gratitude from the beneficiaries. One of the recipients, Adijat Salau offered heartfelt prayers for the organisers, while Rashidat Bakare shared the struggle of many Nigerians. According to her, “With the way the economy is, feeding has become a daily struggle. This box will go a long way for my children and myself. You have lifted a big burden off many families today.”

The initiative successfully brightened the prospects of a happy Christmas for the 200 Ebute Meta families who received the timely assistance.