Gratitude Outreach 5.0 Touches Over 2,000 Lives in Lugbe Communities, Bringing Hope, Relief, and Renewed Strength

More than 2,000 residents from Lugbe and its surrounding communities received food items, essential supplies, and heartfelt support during the Gratitude Outreach 5.0, held at Salem Academy, Lugbe. The event brought together widows, single mothers, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income households who arrived with pressing needs and left with renewed hope and relief. Beneficiaries came from Tudun Wada, High Tension, FHA Lugbe, Kapwa Village, Pyakasa, Pipeline, Lugbe Across, and other nearby informal settlements, making this edition one of the most far-reaching in the history of the outreach.

The atmosphere at Salem Academy was filled with emotion as volunteers welcomed families, offered encouragement, listened to their concerns, and shared in moments of gratitude. The outreach provided food packs, clothing, children’s essentials, household items, and most importantly, human connection delivered with dignity, respect, and compassion.

“This is not a one-off event; it is my heart’s desire to keep doing this for as long as God enables me,” said Pastor Ifejola Opara, convener of the Gratitude Outreach and founder of Cause a Smile Initiative. Speaking at the event, she expressed her profound joy at the impact made and reiterated her long-term commitment to the vision.

In her words, “My deepest wish is that this continues for as long as possible. This is not a one-off thing. After Gratitude Outreach 5.0, it’s been five years in the making, and by God’s grace, I want to keep going for as long as I am able. If there is breath in my lungs, I want to spend it helping people, restoring dignity, and bringing joy to families who need it the most.”

Her message resonated deeply with many beneficiaries, especially at a time when economic challenges continue to stretch families beyond their limits.

A mother from Pyakasa shared, “Things have been very hard. I didn’t know how I would feed my children this week. Today, I’m going home with food, clothes, and peace. I feel seen.”

An elderly beneficiary from Tudun Wada added, “It is not just the items, it is the love behind it. They treated us with respect. I am grateful.”

Now in its fifth year, the Gratitude Outreach has steadily grown into a movement that strengthens community bonds and helps families navigate difficult seasons with practical support and heartfelt care. Its consistent expansion across Lugbe and adjoining communities highlights both the increasing need and the steadfast commitment of its leadership and volunteers. Organizers emphasized that the outreach will continue to remain a beacon of hope for vulnerable households, especially those facing financial, emotional, or social strain.

As Gratitude Outreach evolves, the team plans to deepen its reach, expand partnerships, and sustain a culture of generosity that uplifts families year after year. With the passion and commitment expressed by Pastor Ifejola, the future of this initiative remains inspiring, promising, and profoundly impactful.