By KosofePost Reporter
The Ta’awunu Humanitarian Forum (THF), Lagos, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian and community support services to vulnerable residents across the state as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
The forum’s President, Taiwo Lasisi, stated this at the organisation’s Annual Independence Day Humanitarian Forum held in Lagos on Thursday.
Lasisi said the forum would continue to focus on its core interventions, including free empowerment programmes, educational services, medical outreaches, charity services, palliative distribution and zero-interest cooperative services.
He acknowledged the economic and political challenges facing the country but expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, urging individuals and organisations with the capacity to support vulnerable citizens not to leave the responsibility solely to government.
According to him, citizens and community leaders also have a role to play in improving the welfare of vulnerable people and contributing to national development.
“66 years ago, Nigeria gained freedom. Today, we celebrate not just independence, but the spirit of humanity that binds us,” Lasisi said.
“At THF, we believe true independence is when no one goes to bed hungry, when our youths are empowered, and when education and health are accessible to all.”
Lasisi also said the forum used the occasion to recognise individuals who, in its view, had demonstrated leadership through community development and public service.
He described such leaders as people who had contributed to infrastructure development, community empowerment and governance, adding that the recognition was intended to encourage others to contribute to society.
The THF president thanked the forum’s volunteers, donors and residents of Kosofe and Lagos for their support, while appealing for additional financial and material assistance to sustain its projects.
He urged participants to leave the programme with a commitment to serving humanity, building hope and empowering communities.
Calls for responsible participation in 2027 elections
The Father of the Day, Olumide Canty, a former Leader of the House of Kosofe Local Government, commended THF for using the programme to sensitise residents on socio-political development.
Canty said such civic reorientation could help encourage more informed participation ahead of the 2027 elections and prepare residents for their responsibilities as citizens.
He advised voters to consider candidates’ records of integrity and public service rather than supporting candidates because of financial inducements.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kosofe Local Government, Pastor Adejumo, commended the forum for sustaining the annual programme.
Adejumo urged affluent Nigerians to dedicate more resources to humanitarian initiatives and the empowerment of vulnerable people rather than excessive spending on material possessions.
He also called on voters to consider candidates they believe have demonstrated integrity and a commitment to public service.
“Many people run after money. When you give them money, they vote for you. But when you do that as an electorate, you are simply voting away your future,” he said.
He urged voters not to exchange their votes for money but to make electoral choices based on their assessment of candidates’ character and capacity to serve the public interest.
Among the dignitaries at the event were ASP Raji Umaru; Mrs Oluyole Aduke, Market Leader, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA; Adebayo Olalekan, a THF patron; Alhaja Kadijat Modupeola Adetayo, THF Matron; and other community leaders and guests.