The One Meal a Day for the Children Initiative (OMDCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable children, women, and the elderly across Nigeria in 2026.
The pledge was made by the Founder of the non-governmental organisation, Mrs Ijeoma Nwokpoku, during the group’s first outreach for the year, held on Monday at Amudo in Aguinyima Community, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Nwokpoku said the initiative is driven by the need to improve food intake among needy children, women, and the elderly, with the aim of fostering healthier and more dignified living conditions.
According to her, ensuring that every child has access to at least one nutritious meal daily remains central to OMDCI’s mission, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on ending hunger.
“This outreach marks our first charity activity for 2026 as we step into the year with purpose—ensuring that no child goes hungry and no woman is forgotten,” she said.
“Beyond food, we offer hope and remind beneficiaries that they are seen, valued, and supported.”
She disclosed that the initiative is largely self-funded, with support from family members and friends, adding that despite financial constraints, the organisation has continued to make tangible impacts.
Nwokpoku revealed that OMDCI has sponsored three university graduates from the host community, while several others are currently receiving educational support. She added that the organisation has also provided assistance to widows, the elderly, and indigent patients in settling medical bills.
She noted that OMDCI operates across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with a long-term vision of building a society where no child goes to bed hungry.
However, she identified limited funding as a major challenge to the NGO’s operations and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organisations for support to expand its reach.
Also speaking, the organisation’s Legal Adviser, Mr Nathaniel Nwokpoku, expressed confidence that OMDCI would remain steadfast in its mission of ensuring food access for the less privileged.
During the outreach, a health talk was delivered by a nurse, Mrs Ukamaka Nwafor, who encouraged beneficiaries to consume natural and healthy foods and maintain adequate water intake for overall well-being.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Oluchukwu Nwuzor and Mr Chukwuma Anyigor expressed gratitude to the founder and the organisation, describing the support as a lifeline for struggling families.
Highlights of the event included a medical outreach, distribution of food items, educational materials, wrappers for women, and other relief materials.
