By Ebunoluwa Sessou
The Heart of Gold Support & Care Initiative and the Patrick Ejedawe Foundation have unveiled plans to expand the scope of their poverty reduction and economic inclusion efforts through a landmark luncheon targeted at raising ₦250,000,000.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the convener of the charitable organisation, Mrs. Joy Patrick Ehiagwina, disclosed that the luncheon will hold on Friday, 26 June, 2026, at the OPTS Hall, LCCI Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

She added that the funds that would be realised would be used to expand the scope of the initiative’s life-changing programmes in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable community empowerment.

Her words: “With the inspiring theme, “Beyond the Handouts, and a thought-provoking Fireside Chat titled Changing the Trajectory: From Poverty Alleviation to Wealth Creation”, the gathering seeks to challenge conventional charity models and promote a future where individuals are equipped to become self-reliant contributors to society.

She explained that the three cardinal focuses of the luncheon and fundraising event for the organisation include “Education & Literacy,” which relates to scholarships, learning materials, adult literacy programmes, and vocational education for disadvantaged individuals.

Others are “Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship,” which relates to practical training, business support, and economic empowerment for women and youth, as well as “Sustainable Impact,” which relates to long-term interventions that create lasting transformation and independence within communities.”
“In a nation where millions of vulnerable women, young people, and underserved communities continue to battle poverty, unemployment, and limited access to opportunities, the time has come to move beyond temporary relief and embrace lasting solutions,” she said.

She noted that a member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Mr. James Faleke, has been billed as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Dauda, and other eminent personalities, including Prince Enabosi, Dr. Mrs. Ogechi Noble Merry, and Captain Matthew Edache, whose remarkable contributions to humanity will be recognised during the event.

The luncheon, which will be chaired by Chief Patrick Anegbe, Managing Director/CEO of Intercontinental Distilleries Limited, intends to bring together distinguished leaders, philanthropists, captains of industry, development partners, and well-meaning Nigerians who share a common vision of creating opportunities rather than dependence.