Bishop Fagbohun Launches ‘Food Bank’ in Ekiti to Tackle Hunger, Drive Responsible Voting 

By Kemi Folarin 

Ado Ekiti — Bishop Oluwaseun Fagbohun has unveiled a humanitarian “Food Bank” initiative in Ado Ekiti, aimed at combating rising hunger and encouraging responsible voting ahead of Ekiti State’s upcoming governorship election. 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ado Ekiti Bus Terminal, Fagbohun introduced the project under the TOCIMS Food Bank and Charity Store. 

He described the Food Bank as more than a food distribution point — it’s a “solution centre” offering counselling, scholarships, spiritual guidance, financial aid, healthcare support, microfinance services, and marital counselling. “Food here is symbolic,” Fagbohun explained. 

“For one person it may mean a meal, for another it could be school fees, medical help, or business empowerment.” The initiative runs on a structured “bank” model: beneficiaries and donors alike register, and assistance is allocated based on verified need through strict protocols to prevent abuse.

The project is backed by the Old Catholic International Missionary Society of St. Christopher and the Caritas Sustainable Development Foundation, with additional partners including OCAC College Abuja, Kafon Microfinance Bank, Queen Elizabeth College of Health Sciences, and the Old Catholic Apostolic Church in Nigeria. International partners from the UK, Canada, and Japan are also contributing.

Fagbohun said TOCIMS plans to scale the Food Bank across all 16 local government areas in Ekiti, with expansion into the FCT, Kogi, and Benue states. 

He emphasized that restoring dignity is central to the mission, noting that hunger often forces poor electoral choices. 

“Without tackling hunger, we can’t talk about rejecting vote-buying,” he said. “When people’s basic needs are met, they can vote their conscience.” 

He criticized Ekiti’s recent economic strain, citing high inflation rates that clash with official political narratives. With roughly 50 days to the election, he urged residents to “do the right thing” at the polls and called on media outlets to amplify alternative voices that reflect citizens’ realities.

Fagbohun added, TOCIMS is not a financial institution itself but a facilitator. “We assess help for people through our partners — banks, cooperatives, NGOs. Once conditions are met, we connect you to the support.” He cited Asambi Community Bank as one partner, noting that support requests, even up to 10 million Naira, can be assessed if beneficiaries qualify.

The bishop closed by inviting organizations to collaborate, assuring them of their readiness to partner the people on any program that can impact people, we are partners with you.”