The Mary Nwauju Foundation extended a lifeline to the elderly through its third Elderly Nourishment Drive on March 28, 2025, in a profound demonstration of compassion and social responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to community welfare and support.
The initiative provided 500 senior citizens in Ikorodu with essential welfare packages, ensuring they receive much-needed nutrition and emotional support.
The packages included staple food items such as rice, beans, groundnut oil, Maggi seasoning, salt, spaghetti, semolina, milk, and chocolate—carefully selected to meet the dietary needs of aging individuals.
The foundation, established in memory of Mrs. Mary Nwauju continues to uphold her legacy of selflessness and service.
Its founder, Mrs. Ezinwayi Adeolu-Idowu emphasized that the initiative was born out of a deep sense of duty to bridge the gap in elderly care, a demographic often overlooked in mainstream humanitarian efforts.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adeolu-Idowu shed light on a harsh reality—while many organizations prioritize orphans, sickle cell patients, and HIV victims, the elderly remain largely neglected.
“Most of them, their children, have not seen them for decades. Nobody caters to them or asks about their medical or general welfare,” she lamented.
She recalled growing up in a village where she witnessed firsthand the plight of abandoned senior citizens. This experience, coupled with the love she had for her late mother, inspired her to redirect that affection towards vulnerable elders in society.
“Many elderly people do not die because it’s their time; they die due to neglect. Many suffer from undiagnosed conditions like diabetes and hypertension—conditions that can be managed if they had proper attention,” she stated, urging foundations and corporate organizations to expand their philanthropy beyond youth-focused initiatives.
Mrs. Adeolu-Idowu underscored the importance of social interaction for elderly well-being, emphasizing that loneliness and depression often plague the aged.
“It’s not just about feeding them; let them interact, dance, and enjoy small moments of joy,” she said, encouraging senior citizens to find happiness, maintain social connections, and engage in community activities.
She also expressed profound gratitude to her husband, Engr. Adeolu-Idowu, for his unwavering support in realizing the foundation’s vision.
The event resonated deeply with the beneficiaries, who expressed their heartfelt appreciation.
Mr. Anthony Treasure, one of the elderly recipients, described the initiative as unexpected but deeply impactful.
“I was surprised to see this kind of foundation here. I’m so happy about it. I pray God continues to bless the foundation and its members,” he said.
Another beneficiary echoed similar sentiments, admitting that at first, they doubted whether they would receive assistance.
“But when I saw what they gave us, I realized they really tried,” they said, reflecting the overwhelming gratitude shared by many.
Mrs. Ayinde Funke acknowledged the economic hardship in the country and emphasized how the welfare package would significantly ease financial burdens for elderly recipients.
The Mary Nwauju Foundation has set a powerful precedent, proving that targeted interventions can uplift forgotten members of society. The foundation’s nourishment drive is more than an act of charity—it is a call to re-evaluate societal priorities and extend care to those who paved the way for future generations.
As the event concluded with smiles, laughter, and a sense of belonging, it became evident that even small acts of kindness can restore dignity and hope to the elderly.
The foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that senior citizens are not left to fade into obscurity but rather celebrated, nourished, and cared for with the dignity they deserve.
INN-HOUSE☆ 