Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi funded a Ramadan Iftar in Nottingham during the week as part of his dedication to giving back and commitment to the community.
The Iftar was organised by the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, in collaboration with local charity Himmah at Himmah’s Hub in Hyson Green.
Awoniyi’s club, Nottingham Forest, also projected the player’s contribution and reported that the event welcomed 70 community members, uniting those observing Ramadan with others in an evening of togetherness and solidarity.
The striker also attended the event, engaging with residents and sharing a meal with Nottingham locals, including community members of his home nation, Nigeria.
“I’m just sharing love to the community. Trying to spread love. To show this month that is so important to my Muslim brothers and also Lent month to the Christians.” Awoniyi told Skysports.
“And it is a way of giving back to the community and bringing everyone together with love. It doesn’t matter if it’s your time if it’s your resources.
“It’s just a way that everyone can be powerful to each other and growing up that has been my goal. That’s always been me to try and assist in my own little way.
“Also, I try to develop the next generation of kids as well and it’s something that I hold dearly to me and which is very, very important to me.”
Himmah’s representative, Uzair Hasmi, expressed gratitude for Awoniyi’s generosity.
“Himmah is a social justice organisation specialising in tackling poverty, racism, and educational inequalities in Nottingham,” Hasmi wrote.
“This is the one night of the week where we struggle to find a sponsor for our hot meal provisions. Himmah is very grateful for Taiwo’s support and generosity to fund an event for the community. Thank you, Taiwo.”
