Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, on Sunday, in Abuja, unveiled Ssonic Gas Company Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to empowering people and communities through sustainable development initiatives.
The Foundation, which is a brainchild of Dr (Mrs) Ifeoma Douglas, daughter of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has a mission to enhance the quality of life and promote economic growth in Nigeria, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Doro, while formally launching the Foundation at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Marquee in Maitama, Abuja, commended the Foundation’s sustainable development initiatives and urged the management team to remain sharply-focused on its mission.
In her welcome address on the occasion, Managing Director of Ssonic Gas Company Foundation, Dr Douglas, said that the Foundation would address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges facing Nigeria, with a focus on creating lasting impact and positive change in the lives of Nigerians.
According to her, “Our goal is to work collaboratively with government agencies, private sector organisations, and local communities to drive progress and achieve sustainable development.”
She listed the Foundation’s specific focus areas to include: education and skill development, healthcare and wellness, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Dr Douglas explained that the Foundation would provide access to quality education and vocational training for underprivileged children and youth, equipping them with skills necessary to compete in the global economy.
She stated that the Foundation would improve access to quality healthcare services and promote health education and awareness, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and management of diseases.
In addition, the Foundation, according to her, would “support entrepreneurship and small business development with a focus on women and youth, to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.”
She said that the Foundation would promote environmental conservation and sustainability practices, including renewable energy initiatives, to mitigate climate change and protect natural resources.
At the level of community engagement, Dr Douglas announced that the Foundation would foster partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and stakeholders to support community development projects and promote social cohesion.
She said her motivation to set up the Foundation derived from her family pedigree, whose reputation for charitable works and mentorship was well known.
“I am also strongly motivated by my belief that every act of kindness is an offering to God,” she added.
In an interview on the occasion, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, father of Dr Douglas, commended her initiative and confirmed that he was not surprised at all about her interest in charity, education and mentorship as “this interest runs in our family.”
According to Senator Araraume, “My father, Ifeoma’s grandfather, was into education and mentorship. He taught in Cameroun and some other places outside Nigeria. I am also into education and mentorship. What Ifeoma is doing now is that she has taken this to a higher level.”
Dignitaries who witnessed the event together with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, were the Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arokwe, who represented the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bayo Ojulari, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Otunba Ifedayo, and a legal luminary, Dr D.D. Dodo (SAN), among others.
