The event held as a part of the foundation’s
social service activities for the year 2018, had several dignitaries and
celebrities in attendance, including former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs.
Abimbola Fashola, represented by Mrs. Azeezat Tijani, who offered to train all
beneficiaries of the foundation’s Women in Business programme in catering
services.
Also in attendance were representatives of the
famous talent and event agency, Temple Management Company; popular red carpet
and television host, Denrele Edun, who anchored the event; Ugochukwu Monye,
principal head of Ugo Monye Menswear Fashion brand and official tailor of Big
Brother Naija’s Ebuka Obi-Uchendu; Head, Digital Marketing, First Bank of
Nigeria Limited, Yinka Ijabiyi, and Toyin Lawani of Tiannah Styling.
CAL Foundation, a social non-profit
organisation passionately driven by the need to enable and facilitate a better
life for every Nigerian child, which was founded in 2002 by journalist and TV
producer, Funmi Iyanda, has consistently delivered several empowering
initiatives to support children and women.
The foundation, which is known for supporting
children who despite the harsh socio-economic situation in the country have
shown determination to thrive in their various academic endeavours, decided to
hold the event in order to raise more funds for the continued support of
academically sound, well-mannered students who are facing financial
constraints.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Operating
Officer, Sekinah Ayeyemi, stated “that the event was held in line with the
organisations mandate to promote, protect and preserve the rights and welfare
of children in Nigeria, especially in the area of academic development.
“This auctioning event provides us with the
needed support to reach out to more children. We believe that with the proceeds
from today’s event, our foundation (CAL) would definitely become enabled to
support the development of more children and the protection of their rights.”
Ms Ayeyemi further explained that the event is
also remarkable because it marks the celebration of the Foundation’s 15th year
of putting smiles on the faces of all its beneficiaries.
In appreciation to the foundation for its
immense contribution to the advancement of child rights as well as the social
and academic development of the average child, several past beneficiaries of
the foundation commended the founder, Ms. Iyanda, and appreciated her for her
passion for children.
One of the past beneficiaries, Okon Clement,
now a graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, commended the foundation
and its founder for their steadfast love for empowering children and youths.
“This foundation has been a blessing to me in
many ways. I am a graduate today thanks to the financial support I receive as a
beneficiary of the foundation which took care of my fees from primary level of
education until I finished from the university. I pray that God continues to
bless and increase them,” Clement said.
Ayeyemi also appreciated all the supporters
and sponsors of the event for their unwavering commitment towards improving the
wellbeing of the average Nigerian child in communities all around Lagos and
beyond.
“We really appreciate all the dignitaries,
celebrities and VIP who have demonstrated their love for the children of this
great nation by supporting this event; we say a big thank you to all,” Ayeyemi
said.
She finally called on other corporate
institutions to support the foundation as well as other similar organization as
a way of showing their love for the development of the average Nigerian child
as well as in continuation of their social development activities.
Uj. N. Dominic/GEE
Pic 1: L-R: TV host, Denrele Edun; Change-A-Life Chief Operating Officer, Sekinah Ayeyemi, and Head, Digital Marketing, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Yinka Ijabiyi
Pic 2: Some staff and beneficiaries of Change-A-Life
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