“Nigerians have really gone through a lot of things, hence the belief that the survivors of these crises ought to celebrate. While such intents are not misplaced at all, it is only pertinent that we realise that when we celebrate, there are still many people who would like to join but could not afford the celebration. Any effort made to put the smiles on the faces of such people would be in the furtherance of Almighty God’s work and also help to eliminate the anger usually nursed by the poor against the rich.”
The Nigerian-Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) has carried out this year’s meat distribution in fulfillment of its annual social responsibility to making needy Nigerian families happy at Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
The cows slaughtered are processed and packaged for the targeted needy families.
It, however, was unable to reach out to more than 5,950 families as it slaughtered only 95 cows compared to what it used to have, a reason the management ascribed to global economic impact caused by the COVID-19 restrictions beginning from last year 2020, when the institution split the slaughter and distribution centre – usually held at the Isheri Olofin, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway main campus of the NTIC – into different points including Ikorodu, Iyana Ipaja in Lagos State and Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The cows slaughtered are processed and packaged for the targeted needy families.
The DEFENDER’s coverage of the Ikorodu slaughter and distribution centre found the NTIC’s Vice Principal Academic, Mr. Olayinka Aderoju, coordinating activities supported by some other members of the foundation.
In a press statement titled “Putting the Smiles on Faces”, and signed by Mr. Muhamet Kucuk Yildir, who represented the NTIC Foundation, the body that organises the event, details of the programme as well as how it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were stated.
“In Nigeria and other parts of the world, festivals are marked with funfair. This is the period when many Nigerians would want to show that they appreciate what God has done in their lives in the last couple of months. Our shared experience on Covid-19, political crises, increasing crime rate and insecurity.
“Nigerians have really gone through a lot of things, hence the belief that the survivors of these crises ought to celebrate. While such intents are not misplaced at all, it is only pertinent that we realise that when we celebrate, there are still many people who would like to join but could not afford the celebration. Any effort made to put the smiles on the faces of such people would be in the furtherance of Almighty God’s work and also help to eliminate the anger usually nursed by the poor against the rich,” Yildir said.
He continued: “We believe that putting a smile on the faces of the needy is the responsibility of all, whether you are millionaire or an employee. No matter, one can still give out. This is why, at NTIC Foundation, the effects of the economic declining notwithstanding, we still source the fund to continue this making the poor to be part of the celebration. However much the resources has been reduced owing to the declining economy, whatever we give would still put the smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.
“Toward this goal, the foundation has been able to reach out to the needy in different states of the federation. Efforts are not concentrated in states where we have branches alone. This exercise is carried out in several other states.
“Owing to reduced capacity (as hinted earlier), the Foundation has not been able to reach out to more than 5950 needy families in the two states of Lagos and Ogun wherein 95 cows were slaughtered. The cows slaughtered are processed and packaged for the targeted needy families. It is our belief that when the economy improves, the Foundation would have the capacity to do more.
“’Putting the smile on the Faces of the Needy’ has been made possible with the funds received from generous individuals and from members of staff. The physical distribution of these packages is spearheaded another NGO called NEAR and supported by our members of staff reaching out through traditional institutions in communities, orphanages, and religious organisations This approach ensures the package actually gets to the targeted indigent families.”
