By Adeboye Ado
A corps member serving in Ondo State, Miss Mary James, has celebrated this year’s World Food Day by feeding 100 physically challenged persons at the school for the Physically Impaired, Ikare Akoko.
James, who is currently serving at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, said the initiative was part of her Community Development Service (CDS) project, aimed at promoting inclusion and awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 — Zero Hunger.
In an exclusive interview with The Hope, the corps member, with NYSC service number OD/24C/2936, said her motivation stemmed from her passion to assist people with special needs and make a positive impact in her host community.
“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 said.
James explained that the outreach was designed to ensure that people with disabilities were not left out in conversations about food security and welfare.
She added that the event featured awareness sessions on healthy eating and the importance of inclusion.
She noted that her passion for community service was not new, recalling that in 2023, she organised an outreach that provided foodstuffs for over 50 aged persons in Oyè-Ekiti, Ekiti State. In 2024, she also led a “Pad-a-Girl Child” project, which distributed sanitary pads to over 125 female students in secondary schools across the state.
“I was also 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 gratitude to her supporters, including friends, family members, community leaders and the Chief Executive Officer of Modupeoluwa Bread, Akungba-Akoko, who contributed to the success of the project.
She said the beneficiaries at the Ondo State School for the Physically Challenged were excited about the gesture, adding 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.
James said she plans to embark on another project before completing her service year in Ondo State, which she described as a land filled with great people.
She also advised Nigerians to embrace the culture of giving, noting 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.”