Personality in Focus
Anastiasia’s Springs of Joy Launches, Storms Ogun, Lagos for Widow’s Welfare, Distributes Wholesome Palliatives
By Eric Elezuo
In furtherance of her activities geared towards affecting lives of the indigents, with special emphasis on widows, the Spring of Joy for Widows Foundation has once again spread its wings of kindness and passion to the widows of Nigeria. This was a follow-up to its earlier reach out conducted in May 2024 where over 250 widows were presented with food items in an event tagged Food Pantry and Medical Checkup for Widows.
In August 2024, the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Anastiasia Daniel, in company of her husband, arrived Nigeria from their base in the United States of America, and stormed some nooks and crannies of the nation with bags of smiles and hope for widows following a well attended launch of the Foundation in Surulere, Lagos.
It would be recalled that earlier in the year, at a well organized event held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Disciples Parish, Surulere, Lagos, which the Resident Pastor, Richard Umoren, graciously gave out, the Foundation released diverse and assorted food items to deserving widows, as well as conducted free medical checkups to ascertain the state of the health of the widows, using the best of medical personnels, drawn from the Christian Medical and Dental Association, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) chapter.
Kickstarting the avalanche of humanitarian efforts, Mrs Daniel and her team of Spring of Joy for Widows Foundation caregivers embarked on several impactful events to support widows in different parts of Nigeria, thereby furthering its mission of empowerment and care.
At a Food Pantry Event held at Ilogbo, Ogun State, the foundation conducted a food distribution event, where 133 widows were empowered.
According to Mrs Daniel, who consistently told her story of growing up with her widowed mother, each widow received essential food items, including rice, beans, garri, noodles and bags of sachet water.
“This initiative was aimed at addressing the immediate food needs of the widows and providing them with a sense of relief and support during these challenging times,” Mrs. Daniel said.
At the official launch of the Foundation, which was juxtaposed with a Fundraising ceremony in Surulere, Lagos, with about 100 guests in attendance, Mrs. Daniel assured stakeholders and guests of her Foundation’s readiness to spread good tidings to as many Nigerians in need as possible, maintaining that the day was specially designed to raise awareness about the foundation’s cause and generate financial support for its ongoing and future initiatives.
The event drew together notable television personalities, founders of other organizations, and influential individuals, giving it a high-profile status.
As a followup to the Launch, the Foundation undertook a Food Pantry Event at the Assemblies of God Church, Coker Orile, Lagos, where a remarkable 310 widows received free food items, ranging from rice, beans, garri, spaghetti, to bags of sachet water. Each widow present at the event received a generous helping of all the items. This event further extended the foundation’s reach, ensuring that more widows received the support they needed.
ABOUT SPRING OF JOY FOR WIDOWS FOUNDATION
The Spring of Joy for Widows Foundation is a non-profit organization established to empower and uplift widows by providing them with basic necessities, emotional support, and opportunities for a better future.
Through these empowerment events, the foundation aims to ease the burden of widowhood, provide food security, and foster a sense of community and belonging among widows.
According to the Founder, “Each initiative is a step towards achieving a long-term empowerment opportunity for widows, ensuring they have the resources and support to lead dignified lives.”
The Foundation is an NGO committed to making a profound difference in the lives of widows, addressing their unique challenges, and ensuring they lead lives of dignity, independence, and purpose.
It is further rooted in a deep sense of compassion, equality, and social justice, with the goal of creating a world where widows are not marginalized, but celebrated for their resilience and strength.
Mrs Daniel, a Nigerian citizen of Enugu extraction, is an embodiment of compassion, who has taken it upon herself to contribute to the upliftment of the indigent, using the widows as a starting point.
She strongly believe that the fact that a woman has lost has husband, does not mean that she has lost her purpose, self-will and destiny goal, maintaining that “Every widow is still destined for greatness no matter the circumstances.”
Personality in Focus
Transparency Now a Standard at LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan Vows, Mulls Establishment of Monitoring Team
By Eric Elezuo
The new helmsman at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has vowed that under his watch as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, transparency at all levels will remain the standard, and no longer treated as an exception.
“Public confidence in the Fund is essential. Under my leadership, transparency will be the standard not the exception,” the CEO harped.
Ogunsan made the remarks while addressing a cross section of Security journalists at his Alausa office on Friday, marking the official kickoff of his stewardship in the new portfolio, saying “We will maintain strict oversight on contractor performance, monitor all funded projects closely, publish updates on the utilization of donations, strengthen internal governance and reporting, and deepen stakeholder communication and feedback mechanisms”.
Speaking matter of factly, the CEO noted that his “appointment is a call to service, a responsibility I embrace with humility and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of over 20 million Lagosians, who depend on a secure environment to live, work, and thrive,” harping that he will do everything within the legal and humanitarian provisions to ensure that relationship with the security operatives, media and the general public towards security lives and property in Lagos State is not compromised.
Acknowledging Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, he said noted that there’s the need to shift from traditional security practices, and embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that “our response to emerging security challenges is swift, modern, and people-centered.”
While also highlighting the vision of the Fund as a partner to the government on safety and security, Ogunsan called on donations from all and sundry, saying that “The Fund’s success has always depended on the generosity and partnership of corporate organisations, influential institutions, and public-spirited individuals”, and urged on well meaning and spirited individuals to heed the call to ensure a Lagos where residents can sleep with both eyes closed.
He further stressed that partnership with the public has seen to the investment in ‘critical assets such as patrol vehicles, communication equipment, bulletproof vests, marine assets, training for personnel, and other vital tools that have helped law enforcement safeguard our communities’, adding that time has come to do more with appropriate monitoring.
He noted further:
“In the coming months, we will launch a renewed drive for retail donations — because security is personal. We want every citizen to have the opportunity to contribute directly to making Lagos safer.
“Our plans include:
• A wide-reaching public awareness campaign
• User-friendly digital donation platforms
• Youth-focused engagement and volunteer initiatives
• A strong presence on social and community channels”
Ogunsan while acknowledging responses and contributions from members of the media, he announced that beyond depending on the security agencies for feedbacks, the Fund will launch its own outfit to be known as ‘LSSTF Monitoring Team’ towards ensuring that all materials supplied to security agencies and others are well used, maintained and accounted for.
He also appreciated the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity to serve, pledging to improve on the efforts of his predecessors.
Prior to becoming the CEO of the Fund, Ogunsan, a known philanthropist, was a board member.
Other members of staff, who joined him at the parley, were LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr. Degbola Lewis, and Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo.
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, who is also Otun Akile of Remoland, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has joined well-wishers across Remoland and beyond to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, as he marks his 63rd birthday.
In his heartfelt tribute, Aare Emmanuelking described the Akarigbo as a ruler whose life radiates uncommon wisdom, authenticity, and grace. He noted that under Oba Ajayi’s steady and visionary leadership, the Remo Kingdom has continued to flourish, earning him the admiration of his people and respect across Yoruba land.
He praised the monarch’s intellectual brilliance, humility, and deep compassion, qualities he described as central to the Akarigbo’s enduring impact. “Your Majesty’s wisdom illuminates minds, your presence uplifts hearts, and your life exemplifies the harmony of intellect, humility, and grace,” Aare Emmanuelking stated.
He further highlighted that Akarigbo’s reign has been one of dignity, intention, and positive transformation. According to him, it is the character of the man behind the crown that truly endears Oba Ajayi to the people, noting that his counsel often “creates ripples of influence far beyond the palace walls.”
As Kabiyesi marks his 63rd year, Aare Emmanuelking offered prayers for continued good health, peace, joy, and divine wisdom, expressing confidence that the monarch’s legacy of service and enlightenment will continue to guide future generations.
Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who ascended the throne in 2017, is widely regarded as a progressive and community-focused leader, one whose modern, people-centric approach has strengthened unity and development across Remoland.
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.
The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.
According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.
“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.
