In a heartwarming display of festive charity, members of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba from the FESTAC Town Sub-council in Lagos have successfully conducted their annual Christmas outreach program. The event, held at the Catholic Church of the Annunciation on 7th Avenue, was designed to bring the joy of the season to the less privileged within the community.
Spreading Festive Joy Through Essential Gifts
The outreach, dubbed the "Giving a Helping Hand Programme 2025," saw the distribution of a wide array of essential items to those in need. Beneficiaries received food staples including rice, beans, yam, and garri, as well as packaged goods like Indomie noodles, spaghetti, and tomato paste. The knights also provided wrappers and other necessities, aiming to offer comprehensive support during the festive period.
Deputy Grand Knight, Vincent Iwueze, explained the motivation behind the initiative. He stated that the program was organized specifically to allow widows, widowers, and other vulnerable individuals to share in the Christmas celebration. "Christmas is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to share with one another as one family," Iwueze remarked. He highlighted that the current economic climate, where feeding has become a major challenge, made the outreach even more critical.
A Mandate of Compassion from Leadership
The FESTAC Town Sub-council acted under the directive of the Metropolitan Grand Knight, Sir Nosa Ehigiator, who encouraged all subordinate councils in Lagos to prioritize the less privileged during Christmas. "With that mandate, we put everything together... We felt that the little we have should also be shared with those in need, to put smiles on their faces and make their Christmas meaningful," Iwueze added.
The impact of this yearly program is significant, with many beneficiaries eagerly anticipating it during both Christmas and Lent. This year, the knights attended to 82 beneficiaries, a testament to the growing need and the program's reach.
Inclusive Charity for the Entire Community
Dr. Gladys Harold-Juwah, the Lady President of the Ladies of St. Mulumba Nigeria for the FESTAC Town Sub-council, emphasized the inclusive nature of the outreach. She clarified that the assistance was not restricted to Catholic faithful alone. The organization gathered names of needy persons from various parishes and community members to ensure help reached those who truly needed it.
"This helps us ensure that those who truly need help can celebrate Christmas with their families," she stated, reinforcing the program's core charitable mission.
The gratitude from beneficiaries was palpable. Eunice Okoh, a resident of 22 Road in FESTAC Town, expressed her profound thanks. She has been a beneficiary in previous years and relies on her sister for notification when the program is held. "We are five in my family... I am very grateful. May God reward the church for what they are doing for us," she said.
For Mrs. Theresa Babalola, a single mother caring for two children and an aged mother, the support was a first-time experience and a huge relief. "With the situation in the country, things are very difficult. To even get food is a struggle... Feeding is what drains my little salary. So, this support will really help us," she shared, highlighting the tangible difference such initiatives make in the lives of struggling families.
The Knights of St. Mulumba's Christmas outreach in FESTAC Town stands as a powerful example of community-driven compassion, directly addressing hunger and hardship while fostering a spirit of shared joy during the festive season.
