In the heart of Ebute Metta, a community known for its resilience and close‑knit spirit, a simple but powerful act of compassion unfolded as the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, through its Temporary Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP), partnered with 22Bet to support vulnerable women and families. The outreach which took place on the 12th of December, 2025, was a reminder that when empathy meets action, real change is possible.
For many households in Ebute Metta, daily life is shaped by economic uncertainty and the constant question of how to provide the next meal. The TEFAP outreach was designed to meet this urgent need head‑on, offering immediate food assistance while upholding dignity and respect for every beneficiary.
Women and families gathered with quiet anticipation, welcomed into a structured and orderly distribution process that reflected the Food Bank’s commitment to accountability, excellence, and care. Each food box, filled with essential staples, represented not just nourishment, but relief, an assurance that support had reached them when it mattered most.
The collaboration with 22Bet played a vital role in making the outreach possible. By supporting this TEFAP distribution, 22Bet demonstrated how corporate partnerships can extend beyond business to create meaningful social impact. Together, the partnership helped bridge the gap between vulnerability and stability for families facing food insecurity.
Throughout the outreach, moments of gratitude and quiet joy filled the air. One of the recipients, Adijat Salau offered heartfelt prayers for the organizers, while Rashidat Bakare shared the struggle of many Nigerians. According to her, “With the way the economy is, feeding has become a daily struggle. This box will go a long way for my children and myself. You have lifted a big burden off many families today.”
The Ebute Metta outreach reached vulnerable women and families, helping to reduce the immediate burden of food insecurity and improve access to nutritious meals. Beyond the numbers, the initiative reinforced trust within the community and highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing hunger at the grassroots level. Country Director of 22Bet Nigeria, Mr. Fikayo Ogunfuye, highlighted that the initiative was conceived to “give back to the Lagos community, which has supported the company’s growth over the past five years.”
On his part, the Executive Director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola, lauded the robust partnership, noting that 22Bet used the Food Bank “as a vehicle to actualize its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives and reach out to hundreds of families here.”
Dr. Sunbola stressed the critical importance of such relief in the current climate, where households are battling rising food prices and declining purchasing power.
He noted that the items provided were premium and capable of sustaining an average family of five for at least two weeks, explaining that beneficiaries were pre-registered and issued cards, ensuring an orderly and dignified distribution process.
As food insecurity continues to affect many households, the success of the Ebute Metta outreach strengthens our resolve to do more. Through TEFAP and partnerships like this, we remain committed to supporting vulnerable populations, empowering women, and ensuring that families have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Together, through compassion, partnership, and sustained action, Lagos Food Bank continues to bring hope closer to the communities that need it most.