In this focus area, we provide young people with awareness, education and information on healthy living especially in the area of sexual and reproductive adolescent health information and access to services through the promotion of safe and responsible sexual behavior, in contribution to the MDG 4 and 6 “reducing child mortality by two-thirds and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Furthermore, SAID promotes and improves the health, environment, educational, adequate nutrition and better standards of living of the community especially for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs), women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in the society; and mitigate the impacts of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, social and economic burdens of disease such as Diabetics, stroke and Poverty on them, and provide them with psycho-social support. (SAID officer conducting rapid testing).
Jonathan is not his real name. This is a true story from Amato, Alike Ikenanzizi, Obowo, Imo State.
Jonathan, a man in his sixties, recently faced a life-threatening health condition and urgently needed surgery. Despite reaching out to people within his community, he struggled to receive the financial support needed for treatment.
He was eventually taken to JASMAN Hospital, Udo, where doctors estimated the cost of surgery at between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000. Several community members who were approached promised to contribute, but the promised support did not materialize. SAID Nigeria eventually helped settle the hospital bill, together with a contribution from the patient himself.
The surgery was successful, and the doctors expressed surprise that he survived given the seriousness of his condition.
Jonathan’s story raises an important question: How can a community experience true development if its members do not support one another in times of need?
Community development should be more than ceremonies, titles, buildings, or financial contributions at funerals. It should be about solidarity, compassion, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, employment, and creating opportunities for people to build better lives.
Since 2009, SAID Nigeria has worked to promote health and wellbeing and address the root causes of poverty in communities across Nigeria.
We believe that strong communities are built when people are willing to care for one another, support vulnerable members, invest in young people, and work together for the common good.
As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Together, we can build communities where no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
Teddy Ihens
SAID Nigeria
In 2015, during a field visit to Umuguma, Owerri, SAID Nigeria’s founder, Revd. Fr. Dr. Chikezie Onuoha, met Ifeanyi, a young man struggling to provide for his family of five.
Ifeanyi had come to the area looking for work. His family was living in a poor and inadequate shelter, and his circumstances deeply touched our founder. When it was discovered that one apartment in SAID’s newly completed social housing project remained available, the apartment was offered to Ifeanyi and his family free of charge.
Years later, that support became a stepping stone to something greater.
Through hard work and determination, Ifeanyi was able to save enough to purchase two plots of land and build his own five-bedroom home, which is now almost completed in Umuguma.
He recently visited the SAID Nigeria office to express his appreciation for the opportunity that helped change his family’s circumstances.
Ifeanyi’s journey is a powerful example of SAID Nigeria’s “help-to-self-help” approach: providing vulnerable people with opportunities and support that enable them to build sustainable and independent lives.
SAID Nigeria celebrates Ifeanyi and his remarkable progress from beneficiary to homeowner.
