By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Edi-Care Foundation, a newly established Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Kaduna State, has taken a remarkable step by placing the blind, underprivileged individuals, and students on salaries, as well as awarding scholarships to students from poor backgrounds.
Operating temporarily in the Angwan Romi community, the foundation’s mission is to uplift the less privileged and provide opportunities for those deprived of basic living standards.
A Mission of Compassion
Igili Isaac Emmanuel, the Chairman and Founder of Edi-Care Foundation, shared the motivation behind the initiative, emphasizing a deep-seated love for humanity and a desire to bridge the gap between poverty and human dignity.
“Our foundation’s motto is ‘Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and Poverty.’ I discovered that poverty pushes people to desperate lengths, sometimes even compromising their values. This foundation is about giving people hope and helping them find a sense of purpose,” he said.
Igili explained that the foundation started as a personal initiative during his time as a barber in Port Harcourt, where he and his spiritual mentor, Prophetess Christy Ndubisi, frequently visited orphanages and made donations.
In February 2023, on his birthday, the foundation was officially launched, marking the beginning of structured activities aimed at providing support to vulnerable communities.
Key Initiatives
Edi-Care Foundation has undertaken several projects in Kaduna, Benue, and Rivers states. Among their impactful initiatives are:
- Providing salaries to individuals, including a blind man and other underprivileged members of the community.
- Awarding scholarships to students in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Benue to support their education.
- Offering financial and medical assistance to a young girl abandoned after pregnancy.
- Organizing feeding programs, such as a community meal shared with a Muslim community on Kano Road.
- Conducting Edi-Care competitions to foster community engagement and support.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its noble mission, the foundation faces financial and logistical challenges. Mobility remains a significant issue, and the limited funding has made sustaining its programs difficult.
“We rely on support from families and other small income sources, such as agricultural farming and transport businesses, to keep things going. Sometimes we pay salaries in advance when funds are available, but there are times when we face defaults,” Igili admitted.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Igili remains optimistic, relying on prayers and divine intervention to sustain the foundation’s activities.
“We believe God will provide the resources to continue this journey. The love and trust we’ve earned in our communities inspire us to keep going,” he said.
Edi-Care Foundation exemplifies a commitment to empowering the less privileged and bridging societal gaps, offering hope and support to those in need across Nigeria.
