By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Treasures Bakery, a Kogi-based food company, has brought yuletide cheer to 500 widows in Lokoja through its annual Christmas Carol, Season 14 Special Edition, reaffirming its commitment to community support and humanitarian service.The event, held in Lokoja during the Christmas season, was spearheaded by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Treasures Bakery, Dr. Femi Akande. It focused on providing relief and empowerment to widows, a group often considered among the most vulnerable in society.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akande said the initiative was driven by a moral and faith-based responsibility to give back to the community, particularly to widows and the less privileged. He noted that the outreach aligns with Christian teachings that encourage care for vulnerable groups.“As Christians, we are commanded to help the poor and less privileged, especially widows. This is our little way of showing love and gratitude to God and humanity,” he said.The widows received a wide range of essential items, including bags of rice, yams, gari, noodles, spaghetti, cooking oil, seasonings, assorted provisions, clothing, and cash support. Organisers said the items were carefully selected to meet both immediate household and festive needs.
Mrs. Kikelomo Akande, who also addressed the gathering, described the gesture as an expression of God’s faithfulness in the family’s life and business. She said Treasures Bakery remains committed to using its success as a platform to impact lives positively.The Widows’ Coordinator, Pastor Roseline Alabi, commended the Akande family for what she described as fairness and transparency in the selection of beneficiaries. She also acknowledged the family’s additional support for widows’ children through scholarship opportunities.
Beyond the beneficiaries, several dignitaries attended the event and praised the initiative. The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, described the outreach as a model of private-sector-driven humanitarian intervention and urged other business owners to emulate the gesture.Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Students’ Matters, Ambassador Oladele John-Nihi, applauded the initiative and announced a donation of N500,000 to support the programme.
In a brief exhortation, Pastor Mrs. Alice Halidu reminded participants that giving is a reflection of God’s love and encouraged individuals and organisations to sustain acts of kindness beyond festive periods.Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Mary Olu, Mrs. Favour Onuh, and Mrs. Jumai Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the organisers. They offered prayers for the Akande family and the continued growth of Treasures Bakery.The event concluded with the presentation of the Best Humanitarian Personalities of 2025 award to Dr. Femi Akande and his wife, followed by a prayer session for the Akande family, Treasures Bakery, Kogi State, and Nigeria.
