A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Ondo State, Miss Mary James, has commemorated this year’s World Food Day by providing meals for 100 physically challenged persons at the School for the Physically Impaired, Ikare Akoko.
James, who currently serves at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, said the outreach formed part of her Community Development Service (CDS) project designed to promote inclusion and raise awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 — Zero Hunger.
In an interview with The Hope, the corps member, with NYSC service number OD/24C/2936, said her motivation was driven by a desire to connect with and support people living with disabilities in her host community.
She explained that her project was inspired by her wish to reach out to individuals facing challenges and make a positive impact through her service year.
James said, “The motivation behind my project stems from my desire to connect with individuals who are uniquely created, especially those facing challenges.
As a corps member in Ondo State, my goal is to make a positive impact through my Community Development Service.”
She explained that the initiative sought to ensure that people with disabilities were included in conversations around food security and welfare.
The event also featured sessions on healthy eating and the importance of inclusion.
Recounting her passion for community service, James noted that her commitment to humanitarian work did not begin with this project.
In 2023, she organised an outreach that provided food items for over 50 elderly persons in Oyè-Ekiti, Ekiti State. In 2024, she led a “Pad-a-Girl Child” project that distributed sanitary pads to more than 125 secondary school girls across the state.
According to her, her supervisor, Mr. Ayodeji Imolehin, also played a key role in encouraging her efforts. “I was inspired by my supervisor at work, Mr. Ayodeji Imolehin, who recognised my passion for assisting people, especially those with special needs.
He introduced me to the school where these individuals are camped,” she said.
James expressed appreciation to her supporters, including friends, family members, community leaders, and the Chief Executive Officer of Modupeoluwa Bread, Akungba-Akoko, for their contributions to the success of the event.
She said the beneficiaries at the Ondo State School for the Physically Challenged were delighted with the gesture, noting that the celebration made them feel valued and included. “The beneficiaries were treated to a different meal that day, and they appreciated my presence and the education we provided about the SDGs, particularly the importance of healthy eating. They felt valued and included,” she said.
Looking ahead, James revealed plans to embark on another community project before completing her service year, describing Ondo State as a land filled with warm and generous people.
She also urged Nigerians to embrace a culture of giving, stressing that charity should be part of every citizen’s responsibility.
“My advice to Nigerians regarding charity is to give, regardless of the amount, because you never know the lives you are touching, the destinies you are shaping, and the needs you are meeting,” she said.
Quoting from the Bible, she added, “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over.
Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”