In this special interview with founder of H.A Foundation, Mustapha Ridwan Olamilekan, a graduate of the University of Ibadan with a B.A and M.A in Islamic Studies who hails from Ijebu Isiwo, Ogun State spoke about challenges in raising funds and feedback from successful humanitarian act.
What inspired you to raise funds for low income in the society?
My motivation stems from recognizing that, despite being part of the low-income community, my situation is more favorable than that of many others. Additionally, I am fortunate to have access to individuals who are willing to support initiatives for social development. Seeing this as a chance to give back, I aspire to play a role in contributing to societal well-being. The evident absence of adequate social justice in our society is a concerning factor, as it often leads to conflict and unrest. Hence, I believe it is imperative, even in modest ways, to provide others with a glimpse of what social justice entails. This fundamental belief is at the heart of my inspiration.
How do you feel when you meet a target or succeed in raising required funds for the needy?
Finding inner fulfillment and joy is deeply meaningful when my team and I successfully raise funds or contribute positively to help those in need. One particular experience resonates strongly with me—a visit to an elderly widow during our welfare activities. We provided her with essential foodstuffs and financial assistance. After our visit, she revealed that she was contemplating suicide due to severe economic challenges, exacerbated by family abandonment. The realization that our intervention prevented a tragedy brings lasting satisfaction. Knowing that, even if it is the visit to the elderly widow we are to achieve, we’ve made a significant difference, and it is immensely gratifying. Without a doubt, it underscores the profound impact that a lack of basic social justice can have on individuals, leading to severe psychological challenges.
How do you raise funds for the needy?
Raising funds has been a significant challenge, yet we’re fortunate that a substantial portion of our projects is supported by my former colleagues at the University of Ibadan. Additionally, the goodwill of the public, facilitated through crowdfunding, has played a pivotal role. Undoubtedly, social media serves as a crucial tool in our fundraising efforts, and we utilize it judiciously to connect with supporters and amplify our cause.
What feedback do you get from those that you have assisted in the past?
Receiving feedback from beneficiaries is invaluable, however, while some may misuse the assistance, many are thriving through it. The joy derived from knowing that most beneficiaries are experiencing positive life changes is truly fulfilling. A poignant moment occurred at a wedding banquet that I attended at one of the Universities in southwestern part of Nigerian, where around 20 undergraduate students approached me, expressing gratitude as beneficiaries of our UTME Jamb forms project we did. Witnessing their success in a university community reinforces the profound impact of our initiatives. The joy derived from these moments transcends material value.
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Does it encourage you to do more?
Witnessing the positive changes in the lives of those we assist fuels my determination to achieve more. Through our ongoing efforts, we not only improve the well-being of others but also lay a foundation for a more secure future for our own children—a fundamental aspect of my life philosophy. As such, balancing societal impact and personal responsibility remains at the forefront of our endeavors.
If you count, like how many people have you assisted to raise funds for projects?
Impressively, we’ve reached out to almost 200 beneficiaries, spanning various initiatives such as UTME-JAMB Exam Form support, Empowerment (Sewing Machine), Aged Visitation, Medical Financial Assistance, and assistance rendered to elementary school pupils. While there’s a plan to expand our reach, our primary focus remains on ensuring the quality of our assistance rather than sheer quantity.
What’s your target like in the future?
Candidly, the proliferation of NGOs often arises from a perceived inadequacy in government efforts to ensure social justice. It’s evident that even those engaged in NGOs, including myself, acknowledge that our own taste or share of social justice falls short, though it may be comparatively better than those facing more severe challenges. I hold the belief that if the government were to robustly dispense social justice, the extensive need for NGO interventions might decrease. Nevertheless, my steadfast goal in the future is to establish an orphanage.
Any challenges so far?
Undoubtedly, we encounter substantial challenges, both financial constraints and issues arising with beneficiaries. Securing funds has become notably difficult, especially given the prevailing economic challenges in our country. Unlike the past, where projects were swiftly accomplished, they now extend over months, primarily due to funding limitations. In certain instances, we’ve addressed partial requests and collaborated with sister NGOs to provide comprehensive assistance.
Another significant challenge stems from the sincerity of some beneficiaries. An impactful incident unfolded in either 2021 or 2020, involving a woman whose husband had a fatal accident, leading to potential legal ramifications. The woman, seeking financial aid, forged a hospital owner’s consent without our knowledge. Unaware of this, I faced potential legal action until the intervention of a someone who happened to be a friend to the Dr.. Through the connection of this individual, we managed to resolve the situation, although the project was subsequently discontinued. While the funds raised were technically sufficient for the medical bills, this incident highlighted the critical importance of thorough diligence in our projects.
How do you plan to overcome such challenges?
Undoubtedly, financial challenges will persist because it is at the centre of the basic need. Knowing this, it requires us to judiciously manage available funds to avoid overextending our capabilities. Furthermore, transparency becomes paramount, as openly communicating about our projects fosters public understanding and support, potentially securing the necessary funds. Additionally, to counter the challenge of beneficiaries presenting untrue narratives, we maintain a rigorous background check policy. Regardless of the urgency, we prioritize thorough vetting to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of each case we undertake.
In conclusion, I extend my steadfast encouragement to fellow NGO leaders across different levels, urging them not to succumb to challenges along the way. The journey of running an NGO is undeniably arduous. It requires goodwill and a vision for cultivating a peaceful community where individuals can experience a taste of social justice. Hence, undertaking the responsibilities of others is no easy feat—it requires individuals with a heart of gold who are genuine lovers of community and social cohesion. Without equivocation, engaging in such a noble responsibility yields outcomes of immeasurable value. To put it simply, stakeholders should actively support NGOs and participate in securing better and more meaningful opportunities for the youth.
