Poverty exposes the level of under development of a nation or state. The United Nations, in its agenda 2030 planned to reduce poverty from every vulnerable household around the world by 2030. The sole aim of this SDG goal is to ensure sustainable development.
However, over 719million populations are in extreme poverty globally at the moment, 50% of this population are in Africa. Nigeria alone has 15% share with over 133million people suffering extreme poverty. Ibadan has more than 10,000 aged adults within the range of 65 years old and above, suffering from deteriorating health, lack of food and failing physical strength,
In its effort to support United Nations achieve this goal with a decline in poverty in Southwest Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization, ‘Alesanmi Senior Citizens Organization’ caters for the aged within the range of 60 years old and above, who are suffering from deteriorating health, lack of food and failing physical strength
Documentary of Alesanmi NGO
How I located Alesanmi Senior Citizens Organization
It all started on August 6th, 2023, when a person named, Olufunke Olabisi sent me a private message on Whatsapp, she and her team run a non-governmental organization that empowers the old and vulnerable people within the society without collecting a dime.
I decided to pay a visit to the location of the NGO called Alesanmi Senior Citizens organization and the day of my visit coincided with the organization’s monthly medical outreach
Impacts of Alesanmi NGO
My health has restored and I can now walk faster than before – Pa Olaigbe
Alesanmi Senior Citizen Organization through its collaboration with volunteer nurses and health practitioners within Oyo state, has been able to stabilize the deteriorating health of hundreds of old inhabitants from different local governments.
One of the beneficiaries, Pa. Ezekiel Olaigbe, stated that the organization is a blessing for the aged in the community through its monthly medical outreach.. “Alesanmi has helped me a lot and I can never forget them. I enjoy sustainable medical benefits from them. The medical teams had helped in finding for the management of all my health concerns”
“My hands used to shiver have been treated and I am able to walk faster now”,Olaigbe affirmed
Alesanmi Supports Aged with funds for business
Alesanmi Senior Citizens Organization aside from monthly medical outreach also offers business empowerment, together with cash and tools to support the aged in their businesses. At least over one hundred people had benefited from this.
According to Mrs. Adedokun, a 70 year old woman who told me, “Aside from medical care, Alesanmi gives out money to some of us that want to be engaged in petty trading within the community. The organization also supports us with food items
How ASCO Secures Funds
Alesanmi Senior Citizens Organization which was incorporated in 2019, has been getting funds from wealthy philanthropists within the society to empower the aged.
Responding to questions on funding, the founder, Ms Olufunke Olabisi stated “The organization is able to achieve its projects with donations from the members and distinguished personalities within the Constituency”.
Why is ASCO concerned and what is the strategy of getting things done?
“Many challenges are associated with old age, including health issues, failing physical strength, etc. It is our collective responsibility to lend a helping hand to give them a sense of belonging and ensure they live a healthy life without regrets or worries.”– Olabisi added. To get things done, we collaborate with medical personnel who share our vision. A Nurse and Social worker, Mr. Emmanuel Faleti, a volunteer member of the medical team. Said ”Alesanmi is involved in the values I shared so it is easy to do this for me”.
Challenges
The founder, Olabisi said that, “We want to go further and sponsor surgery but we are financially incapacitated because the little funds the organizations got from members of the community are not sufficient for an eye surgery. To meet our targets to reach more vulnerable old adults, we need more sponsors and donors.”
