…Rewards Donors With UK Travel Ticket, TV, Others Via Raffle Draws

The International Church of Christ (ICOC) Caring Heart Initiative (CHI) has pledged to intensify its intervention activities through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes aimed at assisting vulnerable and indigent children in communities and schools.

Elder Imagbe Igbinoba, Board Chairman of the ICOC CHI made the statement at the weekend in Lagos.

Speaking at a fund raising and raffle draw event held in Ikeja, on Saturday, Igbinoba emphasised the organisation’s commitment to uplifting and supporting underprivileged children, adding that as it receives more donations, it would increase its outreach programmes.

He said the fundraising and raffle event was designed to raise ₦30 million to improve the ECG programme of the foundation as well as reward those who donated through ticket purchase and other platforms with opportunities to also win prizes.

Igbinoba explained that the donations would be channeled to support the nutrition, education, healthcare, and overall well-being of underprivileged children in Lagos communities through ECD programme.

He noted that CHI is affiliated with the International Church of Christ (ICOC) Nigeria, receiving 20 per cent of ICOC Nigeria Benevolence Funds, alongside other donations.

“Since our establishment on 9 October 2020, and the subsequent launch of our initiatives on 1 April 2021, we have been driven by a vision: to become the leading non-governmental, not-for-profit, and non-political organisation dedicated to providing quality care for vulnerable children and their families. Registered with the relevant authorities, we are proud to be at the forefront of spreading care, love, hope, and compassion to children in Nigeria,” he stated.

Highlighting the organisation’s achievements, Igbinoba remarked, “CHI has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with at least two local government authorities in Lagos and is currently working on signing more. We are collaborating with the government and other stakeholders, such as the Network of Orphans and Vulnerable Children NGOs in Lagos, to reach out to underprivileged children in schools and neighbourhoods.”

He continued, “We have provided school feeding for over 400 vulnerable children and households, awarded bursaries to 30 tertiary education students, supported 200 nursery school children with school fees, and supplied writing materials to 200 primary school beneficiaries. Additionally, we extend monthly health support to three individuals facing severe health challenges. Each milestone represents not just numbers, but lives transformed.”

“Essentially, we focus on the three key areas of child development: teachers, children, and parents. While we offer feeding and bursaries to students, we also provide training for teachers and work with parents to help them become more responsive and to support them with empowerment where needed.”

Igbinoba recounted how the initiative began: “Initially, we started within our church community, but we soon expanded our efforts to assist the wider community. We have conducted surveys and identified areas for further intervention as we acquire more funding. For example, we aim to distribute more food packs to help combat hunger.”

Programme Manager, Mrs. Alice Amolo, added, “CHI initiatives encompass a range of programmes, including the Caregivers Forum, which promotes positive parenting and child protection, and our Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme, where we collaborate with local preschools to provide essential services. We are committed to fostering holistic development in our children, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive.”

She expressed her gratitude to sponsors, donors, and guests at the event, noting that while the raffle draw has concluded, donations remain welcome. “We invite our friends and partners to continue supporting this vital mission. Your financial contributions will help nurture the inherent talents and abilities of those we serve, enabling them to flourish and reach their full potential.”

Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Dr. Mrs. Funmi Aina, stated, “CHI’s mission remains clear: to provide warm and effective care for vulnerable children and their households. We achieve this through resource mobilisation, caregiver empowerment, improving education, and institutionalising training for our staff and volunteers.”

“Our approach includes advocacy, service delivery, and strategic behaviour change communication. One step at a time, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in schools and communities,” she concluded.

In the raffle draw, Mr. Ubaka Ochie emerged as the overall winner, taking home a return ticket to the United Kingdom. Mr. Micheal Oloye won a 43-inch television in second place, and Love Akute secured an inverter set in third place.

Numerous other participants also won consolation prizes, including household appliances such as irons and blenders, as well as bags of rice and cartons of noodles.

Sponsors and long-standing donors were honoured with awards and certificates in recognition of their contributions.