To alleviate poverty and empower vulnerable women in Lagos community, the Helen Iwendi Foundation has given out essential food items, medical care, and motivational support to at least 180 women in the Bariga area of the State.

The event, which was held at the residence of High Chief Kayode Aiyetiwa, the Baale of the Ilaje Community and Oba-elect of Bariga, had beneficiaries, including pregnant women, single mothers, widows, and the elderly.

Founder of the Foundation, Ezinwa Damisa, said the outreach marked their first official activity since obtaining registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission. “We understand that many women are vulnerable and economically marginalised, so this programme was organised to create space for their empowerment.”

Damisa added that with more funding and support, the Foundation plans to move beyond short-term aid to offering regular skills acquisition programmes aimed at income generation and entrepreneurship.

She revealed that Bariga was chosen for the kick-off as a way to give back to the community where she spent her early years. She also noted that the Foundation was founded in honour of her grandmother, a renowned women’s rights advocate, as a means of preserving her legacy.

Programme Manager for the Foundation, Mr. Adewale Abdul, emphasised the focus on women’s health. “Many of them cannot afford proper medical care and resort to unsafe alternatives. We conducted checks on their sugar levels and blood pressure, provided basic medications, and offered medical advice in languages they understand.”

Head of Protocol and Logistics, Afusat Ibrahim, also motivated the women, encouraging self-confidence and emotional independence. “Some of the challenges you face come from the men in your lives. Focus on empowering yourselves economically and emotionally, with or without a man,” she said.

High Chief Aiyetiwa commended the Foundation for choosing his community, praising their generosity and support. He assured that proper mobilisation was put in place to ensure high turnout, and prayed for the continued success of future programmes.

Alhaja Fatimo Abdulfatah, who led the medical team, disclosed that over 150 women were tested, with common issues being high blood pressure and elevated sugar levels — conditions she attributed to economic hardship and poor health practices. “We took time to educate them on how to maintain better health with proper guidance and medication,” she said.

Participants, Ifeju Olowo and Oluwayomi Farodoye expressed gratitude, describing the event as a source of renewed hope amid economic hardship. They prayed for divine blessings upon the Foundation and all its partners.