…APC Youth Network West Africa chief says initiative will run every Friday throughout 2026, combining free meals with scholarships and empowerment programmes.
Hundreds of vulnerable residents gathered at Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Friday as the Director-General of the APC Youth Network West Africa, *Hon. Olatunde Gideon Igbasan*, expanded his weekly humanitarian outreach, providing free meals to those in need under the organisation’s *Food for the Needy* initiative.
The programme, held at the organisation’s Lagos office, forms part of a year-long campaign aimed at tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable households through the regular distribution of cooked meals and food items. Organisers said the initiative, which began two weeks ago, has quickly grown into a weekly event scheduled for every Friday throughout 2026.
Speaking during the exercise, the APC Youth Network West Africa’s Director of Welfare, *Saludeen Sheu Tijani*, said the project was established to support the less privileged regardless of social background.
According to him, attendance has continued to increase with each edition.
“The first, second and third editions have reached thousands of people. Last week, we served about 850 beneficiaries, while this week’s programme catered for more than 1,000 people. We expect to reach even more beneficiaries in the coming weeks,” he said.
Tijani added that the initiative extends beyond the distribution of prepared meals, noting that customised raw food packages are also provided to families requiring additional support.
He said the organisation had also expanded its intervention beyond food assistance by investing in education and youth empowerment across West Africa.
“Only last week, our Director-General visited Ghana as part of our empowerment programmes, while scholarships have also been extended to students in Togo. These interventions reflect our commitment to improving lives across the region,” he said.
Addressing speculation that the initiative was politically motivated, Tijani maintained that Hon. Igbasan’s charitable work predated the country’s current election cycle.
He described the Director-General as a committed philanthropist whose passion for community service had consistently distinguished him, citing his support for scholarships, small businesses and humanitarian projects.
The Assistant Welfare Coordinator, *Oluwatobi*, said the programme had become a major source of relief for many struggling residents.
He explained that hundreds of people benefitted from Friday’s distribution, adding that the Director-General personally ensured the programme was sustained every week.
“Our leader has invested significantly in this initiative and remains committed to ensuring that quality, nutritious meals are available to everyone who comes here. The programme is open to the needy and indeed to anyone requiring assistance,” he said.
Also speaking, the organisation’s Media and Publicity Officer, *Theresa Adeyemi*, attributed the Director-General’s passion for humanitarian service to his humble upbringing.
She said Hon. Igbasan often recounts growing up in difficult circumstances in the Bariga area of Lagos before building a successful business career in Ghana.
According to her, those experiences continue to shape his determination to give back to society through practical interventions that improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Adeyemi further said the Director-General had publicly expressed support for the policies of President *Bola Ahmed Tinubu*, particularly ongoing infrastructure development and economic reforms, which he believes will strengthen Nigeria’s long-term growth.
She noted that Igbasan regularly encourages Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercising their constitutional right to vote responsibly.
Hon. Igbasan’s weekly food distribution programme has become one of several grassroots initiatives through which the businessman and philanthropist channels private resources into humanitarian causes, combining food relief with education support and youth empowerment across West Africa….APC Youth Network West Africa chief says initiative will run every Friday throughout 2026, combining free meals with scholarships and empowerment programmes.
Hundreds of vulnerable residents gathered at Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Friday as the Director-General of the APC Youth Network West Africa, *Hon. Olatunde Gideon Igbasan*, expanded his weekly humanitarian outreach, providing free meals to those in need under the organisation’s *Food for the Needy* initiative.
The programme, held at the organisation’s Lagos office, forms part of a year-long campaign aimed at tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable households through the regular distribution of cooked meals and food items. Organisers said the initiative, which began two weeks ago, has quickly grown into a weekly event scheduled for every Friday throughout 2026.
Speaking during the exercise, the APC Youth Network West Africa’s Director of Welfare, *Saludeen Sheu Tijani*, said the project was established to support the less privileged regardless of social background.
According to him, attendance has continued to increase with each edition.
“The first, second and third editions have reached thousands of people. Last week, we served about 850 beneficiaries, while this week’s programme catered for more than 1,000 people. We expect to reach even more beneficiaries in the coming weeks,” he said.
Tijani added that the initiative extends beyond the distribution of prepared meals, noting that customised raw food packages are also provided to families requiring additional support.
He said the organisation had also expanded its intervention beyond food assistance by investing in education and youth empowerment across West Africa.
“Only last week, our Director-General visited Ghana as part of our empowerment programmes, while scholarships have also been extended to students in Togo. These interventions reflect our commitment to improving lives across the region,” he said.
Addressing speculation that the initiative was politically motivated, Tijani maintained that Hon. Igbasan’s charitable work predated the country’s current election cycle.
He described the Director-General as a committed philanthropist whose passion for community service had consistently distinguished him, citing his support for scholarships, small businesses and humanitarian projects.
The Assistant Welfare Coordinator, *Oluwatobi*, said the programme had become a major source of relief for many struggling residents.
He explained that hundreds of people benefitted from Friday’s distribution, adding that the Director-General personally ensured the programme was sustained every week.
“Our leader has invested significantly in this initiative and remains committed to ensuring that quality, nutritious meals are available to everyone who comes here. The programme is open to the needy and indeed to anyone requiring assistance,” he said.
Also speaking, the organisation’s Media and Publicity Officer, *Theresa Adeyemi*, attributed the Director-General’s passion for humanitarian service to his humble upbringing.
She said Hon. Igbasan often recounts growing up in difficult circumstances in the Bariga area of Lagos before building a successful business career in Ghana.
According to her, those experiences continue to shape his determination to give back to society through practical interventions that improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Adeyemi further said the Director-General had publicly expressed support for the policies of President *Bola Ahmed Tinubu*, particularly ongoing infrastructure development and economic reforms, which he believes will strengthen Nigeria’s long-term growth.
She noted that Igbasan regularly encourages Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercising their constitutional right to vote responsibly.
Hon. Igbasan’s weekly food distribution programme has become one of several grassroots initiatives through which the businessman and philanthropist channels private resources into humanitarian causes, combining food relief with education support and youth empowerment across West Africa.
