The Flagship trust fund doles out N4m to colleagues in need

Nearly N4m was given out on Friday by The Flagship Trust Fund (TFTF), in support of former members of The Guardian staff in its first decade of existence, who are either experiencing health challenges or in dire need of financial support.

The donation is from a voluntary contribution among the over three hundred former employees of the newspaper company on WhatsApp Platform created by Aaron Ukodie and O’Seun Ogunseitan, who also concluding a book before year-end on the newspaper.

The contribution, which has since surpassed N10 million, was inspired by some of its former editors, including Senator Ayogu Eze, Mr. Fred Ohwahwa, Chief Babs Alasa, and the twin authors of the expected book. They had launched the fund to respond to some imminent needs of colleagues, but now to be sustained.

Fund Financial Secretary, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi revealed that over N10,077, 400.00 was realised over four weeks, adding: “hopes are high that more contributions will come.”

Senator Eze, a principal inspiration behind the endeavour, said last night that with the ten million milestone, and the release of the first round of donations, a fresh start is here.

Ohwahwa, sounded similar, adding “we grew together in excellence, and would continue in that spirit of communal love and care.” On the strategy for sustaining the project, Alasa volunteered: “We will work on a structure, in committees, to grow the funds transparently, to be helpful to colleagues, just in case.” Book authors, Aaron and O’Seun earlier promised 20 per cent of their profit to the funds.

The delegation delivered the gifts to the beneficiaries that included two former senior editors, a widow of a former employee, and a former member of staff, whose wife has an ailing spinal cord.

The Abuja Chapter will soon have an expanded get together, courtesy of Senator Eze. He had hosted one in his Maitama, Abuja home, where the trust fund idea was mooted.

Some have also been called to national service turning presidential spokesmen, senators, and state governors. Some of those who remained behind equally rose to senior editorial and administrative positions like editors, directors of publication, editors-in-chief, and managing directors.