A Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist, Babayemi Olaniyan, through the Lehi Social Impact Foundation, has brought Christmas cheer to patients at Garki Hospital Abuja, as part of the foundation’s annual Christmas at the Hospital outreach.
The humanitarian visit, which held on Wednesday, was organised in collaboration with the foundation’s partners—Eilish Consulting, LEHI Attorneys and Motherland—to celebrate patients, particularly children and nursing mothers, who were hospitalised and unable to spend the festive season with their families.
Speaking during the outreach, Olaniyan explained that the initiative, now in its sixth year, was conceived to restore hope and joy to people facing health challenges during Christmas.
“Christmas at the Hospital is a yearly event for us. Every year, we visit a different hospital. The idea is simple: to bring the Christmas experience to people who, because of illness, cannot go out to celebrate or attend parties with their loved ones,” he said.
He noted that the positive feedback received from hospitals and beneficiaries over the years had strengthened the foundation’s resolve to sustain the outreach.
“The hospitals always reach out to say thank you. The items we bring are not cheap, but we rally support, raise funds, and donate because we believe it makes a difference. That is why we are able to come back every year,” Olaniyan added.
According to him, beyond material support, the initiative focuses on emotional healing, stressing that joy can be therapeutic.
“We are bringing joy, and joy can heal. A little happiness can lift someone’s spirit and make them feel there is hope, no matter how difficult their condition may be. By the time we leave, we hear testimonies that people are getting better, even emotionally,” he said.
The convener further disclosed that the foundation targets nursing mothers and children during the outreach, explaining that mothers received food items such as rice, cooking oil and noodles, while children were given specially prepared Christmas gift packs.
“What keeps me going is simple—I cannot give up. I love giving. When you give, you see the joy on people’s faces, especially because it is unexpected. That joy is what keeps me coming back,” he said.
Olaniyan also urged Nigerians to take ownership of social development, stressing that meaningful impact does not always require large resources.
“Not everything should be left to the government. Our little ₦5,000, ₦10,000, even ₦1,000, when we come together, can go a long way in developing society. Start something, join us, or start your own foundation,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Pastor Philip Olubakin of Supernatural Life Church, Abuja, said the outreach reflected the core message of love and compassion associated with Christmas.
“There are children here who cannot enjoy the joy of Christmas outside. We want them to know they are not forgotten by God. That is why we are here—to share love with them and also appreciate the hospital staff caring for them,” he said.
He added that caring for the vulnerable was central to Christian practice, noting that his church partnered with the foundation because it believed in its vision.
“Charity is a core part of our faith. Jesus taught us to care for the sick and the needy. If more churches and organisations do this, it will go a long way in expressing God’s love,” he stated.
On his Part, the Clinical Director of Garki Hospital, Dr. Chimaobi Onyejelam, expressed appreciation to the foundation and its partners for choosing the facility.
“They have come to celebrate Christmas with children and patients who, because of their conditions, cannot go home to celebrate with their families.
We are very glad they chose our hospital,” he said.
Onyejelam noted that the donated items would significantly ease the burden on patients and their families.
He also encouraged other organisations, humanitarian groups and religious bodies to remember hospitalised persons during festive periods.
“One should remember those in hospitals during celebrations and make them feel included. It gives them a sense of belonging,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Anthony Aguas, who came to the hospital for treatment and received a gift, expressed gratitude to the foundation.
“I came to the hospital for treatment and met them here. They gave me a gift, and I am very happy. May God continue to bless them for remembering us,” he said.
Another beneficiary, a nursing mother identified as Safia, who had just put to bed, described the outreach as timely and heart-warming.
“This is a season of love. I want to wish them Merry Christmas, and may God bless them for what they have done for us,” she said.
The Lehi Social Impact Foundation said it would continue to expand its community-focused interventions in the coming year, reaffirming its commitment to social impact and giving back to society.
