New Year Message
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS FOR HUMANITY
(COFFHA)
New Year Message
I bring you this new year message from my desk where I serve as the President of the Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA), a non-profit organisation with a mission to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the society, drawing strength from our individual diversities, resources and experiences. For over three decades, we have kept faith with our vision of bringing hope and social justice where the less privileged can live in dignity and security.
It is with profound joy and immense gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you all to the year 2025. We made it!
The year 2024 came with its ups and downs. The economic situation was really challenging, filled with wars, strife, unrests, sicknesses and deaths but through it all the arm of the Lord was upon us, strong and mighty according to his promises. We are still here! Although some COFFHA members and patrons suffered one form of bereavement or the other, to the Glory of God, all COFFHA members and patrons are counted and complete. Glory to God!
The milestone of 2024 was attaining the observer status with the United Nations which came with the ability to attend the CSW68 conference, held in New York from the 11th of March to 22nd of March 2024. Attending the conference gave COFFHA the opportunity of observing firsthand the activities of other NGOs and their workings. It also afforded us the opportunity of networking and building collaborations both with the UN and other NGOs.
Other highlights for 2024 include the holding of our Annual General Meeting at Eko Hotels and Suites on the 13th day of June 2024. It was at that meeting that yours truly and other executive members were elected. Before the elections, on the 1st day of May 2024, COFFHA undertook feeding the poor through the ‘Food Day Initiative’ where about 500 people were fed.
COFFHA’s year-end outreach culminated in a heartwarming hospital visitation on December 8, 2024, at the General Hospital Lagos. This charitable endeavour brought joy and relief to over 50 patients. COFFHA’s kindness extended to settling hospital bills for discharged patients who were unable to return home, providing essential medications for diabetes and hypertension management, and offering Christmas stipends to those in need. As we enter the year 2025, it is my fervent hope and prayer that the economic challenges of 2024 will be bygones as we welcome a brand and favourable year.
To our members, let us continue to work hand in glove to uplift the poorest in our communities for that is our pledge.
To our patrons and donors, we thank you for your immeasurable support over the years. Your support played a crucial role in the positive remarks and response to our activities and the successes we have achieved. Your actions exemplify the values of generosity and social responsibility which foster a just, safe and fair society where everyone feels loved and cared for.
I humbly solicit your continued support in the current year as it would greatly assist us in achieving our goals of empowering, uplifting and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
To every one of us, let us show a little kindness. Remember a life well lived is not evidenced by the wealth we manage to acquire for exhibition but by the testament of those we meet and the lives we positively touched.
Let us all listen and obey the word of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me.”
“I pledge to work closely with my executives to drive our goals and objectives forward with dedication and passion. Together, we aim to make the upcoming year a productive and engaging one, filled with activities that will impress our donors and patrons and in turn benefit those in need.
Stay tuned for our upcoming annual program which promises to be an exciting and fulfilling year!”
Keep working and keep believing!
Augustina Igbokwe
President, Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA)