Onitsha, Anambra State – Igwebuike Social Club, in partnership with Selfless4Africa, has once again put smiles on the faces of Onitsha residents through its annual Christmas palliative distribution.
This initiative, which started in 2020 with about 150 persons/families as beneficiaries, has continued to grow, reaching more families each year and providing much-needed relief to the elderly, sick, widows, and indigent persons in the community.
The 2024 edition of the distribution took place in Onitsha, where 500 families benefited from food items aimed at making the Christmas season more enjoyable for the less privileged and their families.
A few weeks before the event, beneficiaries were contacted through home visits, phone calls, and SMS to inform them of the date, time, and venue.
For those unable to attend in person, arrangements were made for a representative to collect on their behalf. After the main distribution, the team also visited those who were unable to pick up their packages due to health or mobility challenges.
Each beneficiary receives essential food items, including:
- A 10kg bag of rice
- One live chicken
- 2-3kg of vegetable oil
- 10-12 tins of medium-sized tomato paste
- One pack of Knorr cubes
- 10 packs each of curry and thyme
- One pack of table salt
The atmosphere at the distribution centre was lively, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the support. Some elderly recipients, moved by the generosity, prayed for the organizers, while others shared how the items would help them celebrate Christmas with dignity.
Despite the event’s success, the distribution was not without its challenges. According to Nene Anazonwu, coordinator of the Christmas palliative program, one of the major difficulties was crowd control. “Every year, we have a list of pre-selected beneficiaries, but on the day of distribution, many uninvited individuals show up, hoping to get something. Sometimes, even security personnel struggle to keep order,” he explained. The overwhelming number of people who turn up unannounced has made it difficult to execute the program smoothly.
Another challenge was the issue of supply chain delays. In 2023, the club faced a serious setback when their regular chicken supplier delivered the stock late, affecting distribution plans. “That experience was tough for us. We had to quickly make adjustments, but it was not easy,” Anazonwu recalled. He noted that while efforts are being made to introduce better strategies, eliminating these challenges remains difficult.
Anazonwu also spoke about the rising hunger levels in Nigeria, describing the situation as heartbreaking. “We have seen what happened in places like Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, where people lost their lives in stampedes just to get food. It is devastating,” he said. He emphasized that more people need to step in and support the less privileged, as the situation continues to worsen.
Beyond the Christmas palliative program, Igwebuike Social Club has undertaken several humanitarian projects within the Onitsha community. Some of these initiatives include sponsoring school fees and the basic needs of indigent students, providing monthly stipends to elderly and sick individuals, carrying out routine visits to offer care and support, and renovating dilapidated homes for struggling families. In 2023, for example, the club repaired a leaking house for two elderly widows, ensuring they had safer and more comfortable living conditions.
Igwebuike Social Club itself was formed after the passing of two friends, which led to a fundraising effort to support their burial. Afterwards, members decided to retain the structure as a social club to support one another and contribute to community development. Though the club is made up mainly of mutual friends and classmates who are Onitsha indigenes, a few non-indigenes and Onitsha-born individuals have also become members.
The impact of the Igwebuike Social Club’s efforts has not gone unnoticed. The Onitsha Improvement Union has listed the club as one of the award recipients in its centenary celebration later this year. Looking ahead, Anazonwu affirmed that they remain committed to sustaining and expanding the program for as long as funding allows. “This is not about recognition or personal gain. It is about making a difference in people’s lives. We will continue for as long as we have the resources, either at this scale or even bigger,” he stated.
The annual Christmas palliative distribution has become an important event in Onitsha, bringing relief and joy to many families. As the initiative continues to grow, the impact of Igwebuike Social Club and Selfless4Africa in the community remains deeply felt.
Igwebuike Social Club expresses deep gratitude to Selfless4Africa and all those who have made this initiative possible over the years. “May our good Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to replenish their pockets while caring for them in their points of need. Amen,” Anazonwu concluded.
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