Love for the Needy Moves Me into Humanitarian Service – Joy James
Joy James is the founder of Light Up the World Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in the Badagry area of Lagos State. Recently, she spoke with the media about her passion for serving the less privileged and her vision to expand her reach to more vulnerable communities.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
Your NGO, Light Up the World Foundation, recently donated to the needy at the Badagry Correctional Centre. Can you share that experience with us?
I began this project as a teenager — long before I gained admission into a tertiary institution. After completing secondary school, I started working, and from my earnings, I would set aside a portion to help the needy.
For instance, if I earned ₦20,000, I would pay my tithe of ₦2,000 and then save ₦5,000 for outreach. After three months of saving, I would use the money to buy food items and other essentials for orphanages.
As an entrepreneur, I also began purchasing baby clothes — from newborns to three months old — and donating them to orphanage homes.
Aside from clothing, do you also donate other items?
Yes, I do. I usually buy food ingredients such as ogbono, egusi, crayfish, pepper, and staples like garri, semovita, and maize flour. My family often helps me package and deliver these items to orphanages every three months.
How did this act of giving grow into an NGO?
Initially, it was just me — a young lady trying to meet the needs of the less privileged. But as time went on, especially after I got married, things began to expand.
At one point, I paused because of financial challenges. However, the Spirit of God ministered to me to continue, and with encouragement from family and friends, I did. That was how Light Up the World is itFoundation came into being.
This year, I received another divine nudge — a message that between December and January, I should carry out another act of mercy. I obeyed.
Tell us about your most recent outreach program.
In January 2025, we visited the Badagry Correctional Centre. We sought permission from the authorities, which was granted, and during the visit, we prayed for the inmates. Many of them gave their lives to Christ, and we also presented them with gifts as a token of love.
How does it feel to touch the lives of the less privileged?
It brings me immense joy and fulfilment. You don’t need to be wealthy to show love or lend a helping hand. The Bible says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” Giving carries its own blessings.
Sometimes, all a person needs is a little love or encouragement. I recall the sad story of a young girl who allegedly took her life because of low JAMB scores. Perhaps, if someone had comforted her and reminded her that failure is not the end, things might have been different.
Reaching out to the needy isn’t about abundance — it’s about love.
What are the future objectives of Light Up the World Foundation?
We are aiming higher and expanding our scope. This is a mission born of love, and I have no intention of stopping.
During one of my visits to an orphanage, I was moved to tears by the stories of the children — some abandoned, others found on the roadside. Our plan is to make such visits quarterly and to partner with kindhearted Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to reach even more people in need.
Anyone who wishes to support us can reach out via lightuptheworld22021@gmail.com.
Your husband also seems to share this passion for service.
(Mr. James, her husband, speaks)
Helping the less privileged is something she has always been passionate about. When I met her, I saw that drive in her. I also share the same vision.
When I worshipped at Dominion City in Ajah, we often visited correctional centres for outreach. That experience inspired my own passion for humanitarian service. Many inmates have been abandoned and need mentorship to reintegrate into society. Their transformation begins with love.
So, I completely support my wife’s vision — because love is the true force behind service to humanity.
For Joy James, charity is not an event but a calling — one rooted in love, faith, and persistence. Through Light Up the World Foundation, she continues to shine a gentle light of hope in places often forgotten, reminding us all that compassion is the purest form of wealth.
