- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It was a moment of joy and celebrations as the Ekiti State Chapter of the MATAN Food Bank Foundation and 21 Pillars of ATDGSS Joint Stakeholders Alliance was inaugurated its State Projects Steering Committee, with a renewed commitment to addressing hunger, improving nutrition and creating empowerment opportunities for young people and vulnerable members of society.
The inauguration, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Convention and Civic Centre, Fajuyi Area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, brought together government representatives, traditional rulers, development partners, political officeholders, captain of industries, community leaders, members of the MATAN organisation and other stakeholders.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Ekiti State Projects Steering Committee, Chief Mrs. Atonila Omoyemi Petra, described the inauguration as the beginning of a strategic partnership designed to transform ideas into practical projects and sustainable interventions for communities across the state.
Chief Petra said meaningful development requires the collective efforts of government, private organisations, development partners, communities and individuals.
She expressed the committee’s readiness to work with the Ekiti State Government and relevant stakeholders to attract investment, technical support and sustainable development opportunities to the state.
While outlined the vision of creating a society where vulnerable families have access to food, Chief Petra hinted that young people have opportunities, women are empowered, farmers are supported and communities become stronger and self-sustaining.
She described MATAN group as a call for collective actions that all needs to embrace to a that hunger and poverty will become things of the past in our land.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Founder, Visionary and Group National President of MATAN, Ambassador Dr. Olakunle Moses Johnson, emphasised that the organisation is focused on empowerment, employment and nutrition.
According to him, MATAN is not a grant scheme and is not a political organisation, but an initiative focused on providing opportunities for empowerment through employment, particularly for young people.
He explained that the name MATAN represents:
M — Motivation
A — Action
T — Towards
A — Achieving
N — Nutrition.
The founder described the initiative as a call to individuals and an action for everyone, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in confronting hunger, poverty and other challenges facing communities.
He called for stakeholders to come together and build sustainable solutions that can improve the lives of people, particularly vulnerable families and young Nigerians.
“GOODBYE TO HUNGER”
A major message from the inauguration was the campaign for a “Goodbye to Hunger” society.
Chief Omoyemi urged members of the Projects Steering Committee and other stakeholders to embrace unity, professionalism, transparency, accountability and teamwork, stressing that the inauguration should not be regarded as the final destination but as the beginning of a shared responsibility.
She said: “Together, we can turn ideas into projects, projects into opportunities, and opportunities into lasting impact.”
The chairperson also acknowledged the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Olakunle Moses Johnson, whom she described as a visionary committed to the fight against hunger and poverty.
The event featured representatives of the Ekiti State Government, State House of Assembly, traditional institutions, development partners, community leaders, MATAN coordinators and other stakeholders.
The inauguration is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and provide a framework for implementing projects aimed at improving food security, supporting vulnerable households, empowering youths and contributing to sustainable community development in Ekiti State.
As the new committee begins its work, the message from the organisers remains clear: the fight against hunger requires more than words it requires collective action, sustainable opportunities and the commitment of all stakeholders.
