Worried by the awful plight of the downtrodden, the Blessed Gumpat-Foundation (BGF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has expressed its concern over the alarming rate of poverty in the country, even as it said many are busy accumulating wealth for themselves.
Founder of the NGO, Pastor Prisca Timpaul has continued to advocate the need to uplift the living standard of the people, including women and youths by empowering them in order to be self-reliant.
She said there is no going back in building a more economically viable society that will provide a favourable environment for the needy.
According to her, empowering women and youths with skills is the best option in checking the rate of social vices such as stealing, kidnapping, rape, prostitution and under age marriage, among others that are prevalent in the society.
She said the government is not doing enough to put in place adequate infrastructure that will enhance job creation for the people. She, therefore, appealed to public-spirited individuals, non-governmental organisations and the church to be more aggressive in tackling unemployment in the country.
Timpaul also said her skill acquisition centre does not only train its participants but also equips and empowers them to be financially independent and self-sufficient.
According to her, participants are trained in such areas as hat making, bead making, snacks (pastries), cake making, event decorations, dishes (African), tie-dye and production of liquid soap, bleach, hair/body cream, air freshener, stove thread, shampoo, cocoa beverages, disinfectants such as izal and dettol.
“We will no longer hear any woman say I am not doing anything in this church. The intention is to make sure that our people don’t complain that I they are not doing anything, and that has been accomplished. As an organisation, we are building people, empowering them and making sure that they are avenues through which the lives of others would be affected positively,” she said, adding that the training was free for all participants.
The foundation, which she said began about eight years ago in Ikotun-Egbe, a Lagos suburb, before it was relocated to Ogun State, was borne out of the need to reach out to the indigent women many of whom, she said, were living with men but were not legally married to them due to poverty.
On what informed the establishment of the Social Welfare for the Needy and Unemployed, Timpaul said it was an act of God.
The Social Welfare for the Needy and Unemployed in Nigeria and in the Diaspora led by the Chief Executive Officer/President, Peace Ambassador Joy Kolawole had donated much hospital equipment, ranging from beds, crutches, needles, syringes and mattresses to the Blessed Gumpat-Foundation to be distributed to hospitals.
Receiving the donation, Timpaul said Ajuwon Health Centre, Akute, Otta General Hospital and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) are among the beneficiaries.
While appealing to the federal and state governments and other public-spirited individuals to support the organisation, Pastor Timpaul urged those who have received the training to give freely to others. She expressed disappointment that after the training, some of the beneficiaries find it very difficult to help others.
While donating the items, Mrs. Kolawole decried the rate of unemployment in the country. She urged the Federal Government to put in place adequate infrastructure that would help in the establishment of small and medium enterprises that would create job opportunities.
She said the organisation has secured employment for over 125 members in Agro Farm at Mokolo-lucky community in Ogun State. She called for sponsorship from groups and individuals, corporate bodies and government agencies in carrying out the selfless service.
Contributing, Israel Nneke said the country will be a heaven for all when those who are richly endowed begin to use their riches to help the less-privileged.
He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to support the good work of the organisation.
