In a landmark partnership, FoodClique Support Initiative has teamed up with Sony Music Nigeria to launch the “Season of Giving” campaign, aiming to deliver essential food supplies to vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The collaboration promises to provide 25,000 meals to families in need, a timely response to the country’s escalating food insecurity challenges.
Speaking at a joint media conference held at the Gbagada Phase 2 office of FoodClique, Mr. Ibrahim Onilegbale, Team Lead of FoodClique Support Initiative, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
“We are appreciative of this collaboration with Sony Music Nigeria. This purposeful and intentional partnership allows us to reach families struggling during these trying economic times, offering them relief and joy by ensuring they do not worry about their next meal over the festive period,” he stated.
The initiative will distribute 500 food boxes, each containing 10 kg of essential non-perishable food items including rice, garri, wheat, spaghetti, noodles, and more.
Each box is designed to provide up to 50 meals, enough to support a family of five to ten for a week. The food boxes not only serve as a means of sustenance but are also a beacon of hope, ensuring that many can celebrate without hunger clouding their festivities.
FoodClique, a nonprofit charity focused on eradicating hunger, has been at the forefront of food relief and hunger advocacy across Nigeria. Since its inception, it has delivered over 13 million meals to underserved populations in several states.
The organization’s programs include initiatives like community kitchens, free school meals, food hampers for the homeless, and support for low-income families and the elderly.
FoodClique’s ultimate goal, according to Onilegbale, is to achieve “zero hunger” in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2.
Nigeria’s hunger crisis is severe, as shown by the country’s current ranking of 109 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI).
Food inflation has soared to 33.9%, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to access affordable, nutritious food. Despite various governmental efforts, the economic conditions and rising food prices have led to widespread malnutrition and hardship.
“Food waste is a major global issue that exacerbates these challenges,” Onilegbale noted, pointing to the fact that about one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
FoodClique’s mission addresses both food insecurity and waste, as the organization works to rescue surplus food and distribute it to those in need.
With partners such as Pepsico Foundation, UBA Foundation, Shoprite, and now Sony Music Nigeria, FoodClique continues to strengthen its network and broaden its impact.
This “Season of Giving” partnership with Sony Music aims to bring a message of hope and solidarity to countless families, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to uplifting communities and combating hunger amid Nigeria’s economic struggles.
On his part, Mr. Jim Donnett, Head of Admin and PR at Sony Music Nigeria, stated that they are determined to improve the lives of people around the world and contribute significantly to reducing the scourge of hunger.
He explained that they have reached about 12 million people globally since the initiative began in 2021, noting that their target is to reach around 25,000 people this year, including through collaborations with other organizations.
According to him, almost #120 million has been expended on the initiative, with 25 countries around the world selected as beneficiaries this year, including Nigeria, South Africa, the USA, Taiwan, and New Zealand.
Mr. Donnett noted that their decision to collaborate with the Foodclique Support Initiative was due to its track record of positively impacting the lives of vulnerable communities around the country.
For the Chief Financial Officer of Foodclique Support Initiative, Akorede Alabi, the distribution of about 3,000 free food boxes will take place on Friday in the Sari Iganmu area of the state.
He emphasized that the group’s vision is to achieve zero hunger among Nigerians in the near future.
