Amid rising economic hardship and hunger across Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, the Port Harcourt City One Love Movement, has provided free food and drinks to approximately 11,000 underprivileged residents in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Operation Feed the Needy Reaches Thousands
The outreach, named Operation Feed the Needy, took place over the weekend in various parts of the metropolis, including Old Town, Borikiri, Okrika Waterside, Creek Road, Diobu, D-Line, GRA Phase 2, and Trans-Amadi/Old Slaughter. Popular Isaac Boro Park served as the distribution hub for the Diobu area.
Idaere Gogo Ogan, the group's leader, stated that the initiative was motivated by a desire to show love, empathy, and support to vulnerable individuals struggling with the current economic realities. He noted that while some citizens can still afford three meals daily, many others find it difficult to secure even one meal.
Background of the Movement
Ogan explained that the Port Harcourt City One Love Movement was founded about eight years ago to promote friendship, brotherhood, community development, and assistance to the poor and hungry in society. He said, "On the platform, we have close to 260 persons who contributed to this effort. We also have government officials on the platform. We are responsible citizens and we understand that being privileged comes with responsibility."
He added, "If you can still afford three square meals daily in this period of economic hardship, then you have a duty to support those who are poor and desperate in society."
Six Years of Impact
Ogan disclosed that the group has fed over 61,000 individuals since the initiative began six years ago, with the least number of beneficiaries in any edition being 10,000. "We started this exercise about six years ago and the least number of persons we have fed at every outing is 10,000. Today alone, we targeted 11,000 persons. The reports reaching us from the various locations show that the exercise was successful. We are also using this opportunity to encourage other individuals and groups to support the needy in society," he added.
Distribution Teams and Beneficiary Reactions
The group divided itself into five teams—Alpha, Bravo, Charly, Delta, and Jolly squads—to facilitate distribution across the city. The Jolly Squad, which covered the Diobu axis, spent more than four hours distributing food to beneficiaries, including youths, elderly persons, and children.
One beneficiary, Victoria Udoh, expressed gratitude for the gesture and prayed for the organization's members. Another beneficiary, Joshua Thomas, commended the initiative and expressed interest in joining the group.
